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.
蜘蛛
spider
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.
蜘蛛は昆虫ではない。
Spiders are not insects.
Katakana form, often used in scientific contexts or for emphasis.
クモの生態を研究している。
I am researching the ecology of spiders.
Referring to the web spun by a spider.
Literally 'spider's nest/web'. The most common way to say spider web.
部屋の隅に蜘蛛の巣が張っている。
There is a spider web in the corner of the room.
Uses 網 (net) instead of 巣, emphasizing the net-like structure. Slightly more technical.
朝露に濡れたクモの網が美しい。
The spider web wet with morning dew is beautiful.
Referring to particular species of spiders.
Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata), a large, colorful orb-weaver common in Japan in autumn.
秋になると女郎蜘蛛をよく見かける。
In autumn, we often see Joro spiders.
Tarantula, a loanword from English.
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.
彼はタランチュラをペットとして飼っている。
He keeps a tarantula as a pet.