蛆 (qū) - Maggot — the larva of a fly & also used metaphorically to refer to something contemptible

蛆Tone 1

qū ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

情仁

蛆 · qū

Maggot — the larva of a fly;

also used metaphorically to refer to something contemptible or parasitic.

Maggot — the larva of a flyalso used metaphorically to refer to something contemptible

Usage highlights

Fly maggotRice maggotCorpse maggotMaggot therapySpawn maggotsMaggot

Synonyms

  • 蝇蛆— fly larva (more specific)

Antonyms

  • 蝶— butterfly (beautiful insect vs. repulsive larva)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The rotting food was covered in maggots (蛆).
  • He is a maggot in society (社会的蛆).
  • Maggots can be used in forensic science (法医蛆).
  • The wound was infested with maggots (伤口生蛆).

Collocations

  • Fly maggot(苍蝇蛆)
  • Rice maggot(米蛆)
  • Corpse maggot(尸蛆)
  • Maggot therapy(蛆疗法)
  • Spawn maggots(生蛆)
  • Maggot-ridden(长满蛆的)

Idioms

  • Wriggling like a maggot(蛆动)
  • A nest of maggots(蛆窝)
  • Maggots swarming on meat(肉上生蛆)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Universally symbolizes decay, filth, and corruption across Chinese culture.
  • Used as a strong pejorative term for despicable or parasitic individuals.
  • In traditional medicine, maggots were sometimes used to clean wounds.

FAQ