ハエ
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
Refers to any fly of the infraorder Muscomorpha. Common in everyday contexts.
There is a fly flying around in the kitchen.
2
derogatory
Derogatory term for a person of no value, similar to 'pisher' or 'scrub'. Used in informal, contemptuous speech.
Don't worry about what a worthless guy like that says.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に蠅がたかるflies swarm on/around something
Flies were swarming on the food.
- 蠅を追い払うto shoo/wave away flies
I waved the flies away with my hand.
- 蠅を叩くto swat a fly
It was annoying, so I swatted the fly.
Expressions
- 頭の上の蠅も追えないcompletely helpless; unable even to shoo away flies on one's own head
- 人の蠅を追うより己の蠅を追えtake care of yourself before you take care of others