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スズメバチ (すずめばち) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun
hornet ; yellow jacket ; wasp (subfamily Vespinae)
usually written using kana alone
General term for hornets and yellow jackets, especially the larger, aggressive species. Often used in warnings during late summer and autumn.
If you find a hornet's nest, do not go near it.
2
noun
Asian giant hornet ; yak-killer hornet (Vespa mandarinia)
usually written using kana alone
Specifically refers to the Asian giant hornet, the world's largest hornet. In everyday Japanese, スズメバチ often implies this species, but scientifically it is オオスズメバチ.
See also: オオスズメバチ
Written forms スズメバチ Usage 100%
kana-only spelling
Katakana spelling is the most common written form for this word.
雀すずめ 蜂ばち
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form; the kanji 雀 (sparrow) and 蜂 (bee) are used for their meaning.
胡蜂すずめばち
rarely-used kanji form
Rarely used kanji form; 胡 is a phonetic/ateji character.
Similar words オオスズメバチ The specific scientific/common name for the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia). スズメバチ is the broader term that includes this species.
蜂はち General word for bee or wasp. スズメバチ is a specific type of wasp.
アシナガバチ Paper wasp; a less aggressive, more slender wasp often confused with hornets.
Etymology The name likely derives from the insect's size and color pattern resembling a sparrow (雀, すずめ), combined with 蜂 (はち, bee/wasp). The exact origin is uncertain, but the association with sparrows is a common folk etymology.
