螾 (yǐn) - Earthworm & also refers to a type of insect or

螾Tone 3

yǐn ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

懿嘤

螾 · yǐn

Earthworm;

also refers to a type of insect or worm-like creature in classical texts.

Earthwormalso refers to a type of insect or

Usage highlights

earthwormworm螾行螾蛾螾螾

Synonyms

  • 蚯蚓— earthworm (more common modern term)
  • 地龙— earthworm (traditional medicine term)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The earthworm (螾) is beneficial for soil aeration.
  • Ancient texts mention the 螾 as a type of worm.
  • The character 螾 appears in classical Chinese literature.

Collocations

  • earthworm(蚯螾)
  • worm-like creature(螾类)
  • worm crawling(螾行)
  • a type of moth(螾蛾)
  • wriggling movement(螾螾)

Idioms

  • The earthworm has no sharp claws(螾无爪牙之利)
  • like a worm bending before stretching - meaning biding time before action(螾屈求伸)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in classical Chinese texts like Zhuangzi and Xunzi as a metaphor for small but persistent creatures.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, earthworms (地龙) were used for various treatments, though 螾 is the classical term.
  • Sometimes used in philosophical texts to represent humble but determined beings.

FAQ