蝉・蟬|せみsemi[0]heiban (flat)

Common

せびsebiok

Which spelling to use

蝉蝉 is the most common written form and the recommended default for beginners; use it when writing the word.

蟬蟬 is a less common kanji-only variant written with an outdated kanji; recognize it as an alternative, but do not choose it as your default.

Definitions

nouncicada; locust
あみでせみを捕つかまえた。↗
We captured cicadas with a net.
nounsmall-sized pulley

Synonyms & antonyms

蝉（せみ）is the standard word for the cicada, the insect whose loud buzzing marks summer in Japan; the "locust" and "small-sized pulley" glosses cover rarer senses, so context determines the intended meaning.

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

Japanese definitions

（せみ）カメムシ目め（半翅はんし目め）頸くび吻ふん亜目あもくセミ上じょう科かに分類ぶんるいされる昆虫こんちゅうの総称そうしょう。

Kanji in this word

蝉

Say it right, write it right