Translation guide
The English word "maggot" refers to the larval stage of a fly. In Japanese, the most common and general term is うじ (蛆). There are also more specific or literary terms, but for everyday use, うじ is the recommended word.
Referring to the soft-bodied, legless larva of a fly, typically found in decaying matter.
The standard, everyday word for a maggot. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
ゴミ箱に蛆がわいていた。
Maggots were breeding in the trash can.
傷口に蛆がたかることがある。
Maggots can infest wounds.
Katakana form of 蛆, often used in biological or medical contexts, or for emphasis.
ウジはハエの幼虫です。
Maggots are the larvae of flies.
Specifically referring to maggots used as fishing bait.
The same word うじ is used for fishing bait maggots. Sometimes specified as 釣り用の蛆 (つりようのうじ).
釣り餌に蛆を使う。
I use maggots for fishing bait.
A term specifically for maggots used as fishing bait, common among anglers.
サシを買ってきて。
Go buy some maggots (for fishing).
Referring to the use of sterile maggots in medicine to clean wounds.
The loanword from English, used in medical contexts.
マゴットセラピーは壊死組織を取り除くのに有効です。
Maggot therapy is effective for removing necrotic tissue.
The Japanese term for maggot therapy, literally 'maggot treatment'.
蛆治療は古くから行われてきた。
Maggot therapy has been practiced since ancient times.
Using 'maggot' as an insult for a despicable person.
Literally 'maggot insect', used as a strong insult for a worthless person. Rare and very derogatory.
This is a harsh insult and not commonly used in modern Japanese. Avoid unless you intend to be extremely offensive.
あんな蛆虫野郎は相手にするな。
Don't bother with that maggot of a guy.
While English uses 'maggot' as an insult, Japanese rarely uses 蛆 (うじ) in this way. The word 蛆虫 (うじむし) exists but is very strong and uncommon. More typical Japanese insults focus on stupidity or uselessness (e.g., 役立たず, くず).