毛虫
Meanings
1
hairy caterpillar; woolly bear
Refers to caterpillars with conspicuous hair or bristles, often considered unpleasant or irritating to touch.
There are many hairy caterpillars on the tree in the garden.
Touching a hairy caterpillar can sometimes cause a rash.
2
pest; nuisance person
Figurative, colloquial use for an annoying or troublesome person, similar to calling someone a 'pest' or 'nuisance' in English. Not a common modern insult; somewhat dated or playful.
That guy is a real pest.
Usage patterns
- 〈植物〉に毛虫がつくfor caterpillars to infest a plant
Caterpillars have gotten onto the roses in the garden.
- 〈人〉を毛虫のように嫌うto detest someone like a pest
She detests that boss like a pest.
- 毛虫にかぶれるto get a skin rash from a hairy caterpillar
My arm turned bright red after getting a rash from a caterpillar.
- 毛虫を駆除するto exterminate caterpillars
We called a professional to exterminate the caterpillars in the garden.