How to say "flea" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 蚤のみnounThe word for the insect itself: the small wingless parasite that bites people and animals. Think of an itchy bite on an ankle, or a pet scratching because it has picked up fleas.
- nounChildren's language for tiny creepy-crawlies: it covers bugs and lice as well as fleas, so it is rarely the word you want for the insect — picture a child pointing at something small and crawly.
Use 蚤 for the insect itself — the small parasite that bites people and animals; 「ちいちい」 is children's language covering bugs and lice as well as fleas, so it fits only childish talk about tiny creepy-crawlies.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
