蛾 (é) - Moth — a nocturnal insect similar to a & often associated with attraction to light.

蛾Tone 2

é ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

丁恩

蛾 · é

Moth — a nocturnal insect similar to a butterfly but typically with stouter body and antennae;

often associated with attraction to light.

Moth — a nocturnal insect similar to aoften associated with attraction to light.

Usage highlights

MothSilkworm mothNight mothMoth antennaeMoth larvaMoth to a flame

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 蝶— butterfly (diurnal, more colorful)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • A moth flew into the lamp (飞蛾扑灯).
  • The silkworm moth produces silk (蚕蛾).
  • Many moths are attracted to light (蛾子趋光).
  • We saw colorful moths at night (夜蛾).

Collocations

  • Moth(蛾子)
  • Silkworm moth(蚕蛾)
  • Night moth(夜蛾)
  • Moth-eaten(虫蛀的)
  • Moth antennae(蛾触角)
  • Moth larva(蛾幼虫)

Idioms

  • Like a moth flying into fire — to court self-destruction(飞蛾扑火)
  • Moth eyebrows — delicate, crescent-shaped eyebrows(蛾眉)
  • Moth-browed and phoenix eyes — describing beautiful eyes and eyebrows(蛾眉凤眼)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, moths symbolize determination but also foolish bravery when drawn to light.
  • The term '蛾眉' (moth eyebrows) was used in classical poetry to describe beautiful women with delicate, arched eyebrows.
  • Moths are often contrasted with butterflies, which are more commonly associated with beauty and transformation.

FAQ