蟖 (sī) - Caterpillar — refers to the larval stage of & often used in compound words for specific types

蟖Tone 1

sī ｜ 18 strokes ｜ radical:

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蟖 · sī

Caterpillar — refers to the larval stage of butterflies and moths;

often used in compound words for specific types of caterpillars.

Caterpillar — refers to the larval stage ofoften used in compound words for specific types

Usage highlights

caterpillarsilkworm caterpillarbutterfly caterpillarstinging caterpillarcaterpillar funguscaterpillar damage

Synonyms

  • 毛虫— caterpillar (more common term)
  • 幼虫— larva (general term)

Antonyms

  • 蝴蝶— butterfly (adult form)
  • 蛾— moth (adult form)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The caterpillar (毛蟖) eats leaves voraciously.
  • Butterfly larvae are caterpillars (蝴蝶蟖).
  • Some caterpillars have stinging hairs (刺蟖).

Collocations

  • caterpillar(毛蟖)
  • silkworm caterpillar(蚕蟖)
  • butterfly caterpillar(蝴蝶蟖)
  • stinging caterpillar(刺蟖)
  • caterpillar fungus(蟖草)
  • caterpillar damage(蟖害)

Idioms

  • Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly(如蟖化蝶)
  • Caterpillar's destructive path(蟖食之径)
  • Hidden caterpillar damage(蟖害潜藏)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, caterpillars represent transformation and rebirth due to their metamorphosis into butterflies.
  • Caterpillars are often associated with agricultural pests that damage crops.
  • The character appears mainly in scientific/biological contexts rather than everyday language.

FAQ