あり
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
Common noun for the insect. No special usage restrictions.
A line of ants had formed under the park bench.
Ants are swarming over the sugar.
Usage patterns
- 蟻の行列a line/trail of ants
A trail of ants had formed in the kitchen.
- 〈場所〉に蟻が出るants appear/infest a place
Ants appear in the garden when summer comes.
- 蟻に刺されるto be bitten/stung by an ant
I got stung by an ant in the grass.
- 蟻を退治するto exterminate ants
I exterminated the ants with insecticide.
Expressions
- 蟻の門渡りvery narrow passage; tight squeeze · perineum; taint
- 蟻の思いも天に届くyou can do anything if you set your mind to; even an ant's thoughts reach the heavens
- 蟻の穴から堤も崩れるa small leak will sink a great ship
- 千丈の堤も蟻の一穴より崩れるa small leak will sink a great ship