スズメバチ
ス
ズ
メ
バ
チ
Meanings
1
hornet; yellow jacket; wasp (subfamily Vespinae)
usually written using kana alone
General term for hornets and yellow jackets, especially the larger, aggressive species. Often used in warnings during late summer and autumn.
Be careful not to get stung by hornets in the mountains.
If you find a hornet's nest, do not go near it.
2
Asian giant hornet; yak-killer hornet (Vespa mandarinia)
usually written using kana alone
Specifically refers to the Asian giant hornet, the world's largest hornet. In everyday Japanese, スズメバチ often implies this species, but scientifically it is オオスズメバチ.
See also: オオスズメバチ
The Asian giant hornet is a type of hornet and is very aggressive.