How to say "moth" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

蛾がCommon
nounThe specific word for a moth — the insect itself, not just any bug; use it when you mean a moth, for example when identifying an insect on the window screen as a moth.
がは灯あかりに集あつまる。↗
Moths are attracted by light.
むしJLPT N4approx.Common
nounThe general word for insects and bugs; 'moth' appears only as a loose sense — a moth you would simply call a bug — so when you mean the insect itself, 蛾 is the word you want.
彼女かのじょは虫むしが大嫌だいきらいだ。↗
She has a strong dislike of insects.

Use 蛾 when you mean the insect itself, a moth; use 「むし」 when you would simply say 'bug' or 'insect' in English, as it covers moths only loosely within its general 'insect, bug' sense.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

蛾がmoth
むしinsect

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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