Translation guide
Describes large numbers of people, animals, or insects moving together or gathering densely. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions depending on what is swarming and how it moves.
To describe a large group of insects, bugs, or small animals moving together, often in a way that feels overwhelming or unpleasant.
General verb for insects, people, or animals gathering in a swarm or crowd. Often implies a sense of nuisance or overwhelming numbers.
Flies are swarming around the food.
Specifically for insects or pests gathering on something, often to feed. Stronger nuance of infestation or being covered.
Flies are swarming on the garbage.
Describes a writhing, crawling mass of insects or small creatures. Emphasizes the creepy, wriggling movement.
Maggots were swarming on the rotten meat.
To describe crowds of people moving or gathering, often in a busy, chaotic, or overwhelming manner.
Works for people as well as insects. Often used when people crowd around something or someone.
Tourists are swarming around the temple.
Describes a large crowd surging forward or flooding into a place. Emphasizes the forceful, wave-like movement.
Describes a place being extremely crowded and chaotic, with people swarming around. More about the state of the place than the movement.
To describe a large group of animals, such as birds, fish, or mammals, moving together.
To express that a place is filled with a large number of things, like messages, thoughts, or problems.
群がる (muragaru) implies gathering around a specific point or target, often with a sense of nuisance. 群れる (mureru) simply means forming a group or flock, without the target-oriented nuance.
Crows are swarming around the garbage. (target: garbage)
Crows are flying in a flock. (no target, just grouping)
English 'swarming' often translates to different Japanese words depending on the subject. Avoid directly translating 'swarm' as a noun; instead, use the appropriate verb or phrase.
Customers swarmed in as soon as the store opened.
The area in front of the station was swarming with people.
魚が餌に群がっている。
Fish are swarming around the bait.