Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'worm' depends on the type of creature and context. The most common general term is ミミズ (earthworm), but other words are used for insect larvae, parasites, or figurative uses.
The typical long, thin, soft-bodied creature that lives in soil.
The standard word for earthworm. Used in everyday conversation, gardening, and biology.
There was a big earthworm in the garden.
Earthworms enrich the soil.
A worm-like larva of an insect, often found on plants or in food.
A worm that lives inside a body, such as a tapeworm or roundworm.
Using 'worm' metaphorically, such as calling someone a worm or referring to a computer worm.
Loanword from English, used for computer worms (malware) and sometimes in gaming contexts.
Using a worm as bait for fishing.
Earthworms are the most common bait worm.
The loanword ワーム is only for computer worms or specific gaming/fantasy creatures. For actual living earthworms, always use ミミズ.
There is a worm in the garden. (unnatural)
イモムシ is a hairless caterpillar, while ケムシ is a hairy one. Both can be called 'worms' in casual English, but in Japanese they are distinct. Use イモムシ for smooth, worm-like larvae and ケムシ for fuzzy ones.
Refers to hairless caterpillars or larvae that look like worms. Often used for pests on plants.
There was a caterpillar on the cabbage.
Specifically means maggot, the larva of flies. Often associated with rotting matter.
Maggots appeared in the garbage.
Hairy caterpillar. While not always called a 'worm' in English, it is a worm-like larva.
I was stung by a hairy caterpillar.
General term for parasite, including worms. Often used in medical contexts.
I had a parasite test.
Roundworm, a common intestinal parasite.
The child was infected with roundworms.
Tapeworm. Named after the Sanada-himo cord due to its flat, ribbon-like shape.
Tapeworms can grow long.
The worm spreads through the network.
Derogatory term meaning 'insect' or 'worm', used to insult someone as insignificant or worthless.
You're nothing but a worm.
In some contexts, ミミズ can be used metaphorically for a weak or groveling person, but it's less common than 虫けら.
He groveled like a worm.
釣りにミミズを使った。
I used worms for fishing.
Ragworm, a marine worm used as bait for sea fishing.
Fish using ragworms as bait.