Translation guide
The English word "vermin" refers to small animals or insects that are considered pests, often carrying disease or causing damage. In Japanese, there is no single exact equivalent; the best translation depends on the type of creature and context.
Referring to small animals or insects that are harmful or annoying, especially in a household or agricultural context.
Literally 'harmful insect', but often used broadly for insect pests. Not used for rodents.
この殺虫剤はいろいろな害虫に効きます。
This insecticide works on various pests.
Harmful animals, such as rats, wild boars, or deer that damage crops or property.
農家は害獣による被害に悩まされている。
Farmers are troubled by damage from vermin.
Specifically pests that affect hygiene and health, like cockroaches, flies, and mosquitoes.
ゴキブリは代表的な衛生害虫です。
Cockroaches are a typical hygiene pest.
Harmful birds, such as crows or sparrows that damage crops.
カラスは農作物を荒らす害鳥とみなされることもある。
Crows are sometimes considered vermin that damage crops.
Using 'vermin' metaphorically to describe contemptible people, often in a dehumanizing way.
Can be used figuratively for people, similar to English 'vermin', but it's strong and insulting.
彼は社会の害虫だ。
He is a vermin of society.
Literally 'trash/garbage', used as a strong insult for worthless people.
Literally 'scum' or 'dregs', very derogatory term for worthless people.
彼は人間のクズだ。
He's human vermin.
Specifically referring to rodents or similar small mammals considered pests.
Generic term for rats and mice. Often used when 'vermin' specifically means rodents.
この家にはネズミが出る。
This house has vermin (rats/mice).
Kanji form of ネズミ, more common in written or formal contexts.
English 'vermin' can include insects, rodents, and other pests. Japanese typically distinguishes between insects (害虫) and animals (害獣). Using 害虫 for rats would be incorrect.
害虫 (gaichū) is for insect pests, while 害獣 (gaijū) is for animal pests like rats, wild boars, etc. If you're unsure, specify the creature or use a phrase like 害になる生き物 (harmful creatures).
Those guys are human vermin.
We need to exterminate the vermin.