Translation guide
The word for 'spider' in Japanese is くも. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation, literature, and folklore. There are no major pitfalls for learners, but it's useful to know related terms like spider web and specific spider types.
Referring to the eight-legged arachnid in general.
The standard word for spider. Can be written in kanji, hiragana, or katakana. Hiragana (くも) is most common in everyday writing.
There is a big spider in the garden.
Spiders are not insects.
Katakana form, often used in scientific contexts or for emphasis.
I am researching the ecology of spiders.
Referring to the web spun by a spider.
Referring to particular species of spiders.
While 蜘蛛 is the kanji, it is common to write くも in hiragana. Katakana クモ is used in scientific contexts or when emphasizing the word.
The spider web wet with morning dew is beautiful.
He keeps a tarantula as a pet.