ホタル
Meanings
1
firefly; lightning bug
usually written using kana alone
Refers to the insect, especially the Japanese firefly (Luciola cruciata). The term 'glowworm' is sometimes used but typically refers to a different family; in Japanese context, it can overlap.
On a summer night, fireflies were glowing near the river.
When I was a child, I used to catch fireflies.
Usage patterns
- 蛍が光るfor fireflies to glow/flicker
On a summer night, fireflies were glowing by the riverside.
- 蛍を見るto go watch fireflies (a common summer activity)
We went out as a family to see the fireflies.
- 蛍が飛ぶfor fireflies to fly (about)
Fireflies are flying over the rice fields.
Expressions
- 鳴く蝉よりも鳴かぬ蛍が身を焦がすempty vessels make the most noise; the silent firefly burns with more passion than the crying cicada