うじ
う
じ
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
Refers to the worm-like larva of flies, often found on decaying matter. Can be used literally or figuratively to describe something repulsive.
Maggots were breeding in the kitchen waste.
Maggots swarm on rotten meat.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に蛆がわくfor maggots to breed in something (usually rotting matter)
Maggots bred in the raw garbage.
- 〈物〉に蛆がつくfor maggots to get onto/infest something
Maggots had gotten onto the rotten meat.
Expressions
- 男やもめに蛆がわくa widower soon goes to seed; a man alone becomes untidy