also: むしのよい
虫のいい · i-adjective (yoi/ii class)
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 虫のいい | 虫のよくない |
| Polite | 虫のいいです | 虫のよくないですalso 虫のよくありません |
| Past polite | 虫のよかったです | 虫のよくなかったですalso 虫のよくありませんでした |
| Past | 虫のよかった | 虫のよくなかった |
| Te-form | 虫のよくて | 虫のよくなくて |
| Adverbial | 虫のよく | |
| Conditional | 虫のよければ | 虫のよくなければ |
| Tara conditional | 虫のよかったら | 虫のよくなかったら |
expression, i-adjective (yoi/ii class)
selfish; self-serving; conveniently self-centered
Describes a person or attitude that is selfishly convenient for oneself, often ignoring others' needs. Frequently used in the phrase 虫のいい話 (a self-serving story/proposal).
See also: 虫がいい
I was amazed at his selfish way of thinking.
There's no way such a self-serving story could be true.
Alternate spelling with 良い, read むしのよい. Less common than 虫のいい.
Search-only kana-mixed form; not a standard written variant.
Search-only katakana-mixed form; not a standard written variant.
The phrase 虫のいい literally means 'the insect is good,' but the exact origin is uncertain. It may derive from the traditional belief that a 'bug' (虫) in the body influences one's temperament, so having a 'good bug' implies a self-indulgent nature.