蠋 (zhú) - caterpillar — refers to the larval stage of & often used in classical texts.

蠋Tone 2

zhú ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

志

蠋 · zhú

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

often used in classical texts.

caterpillar — refers to the larval stage ofoften used in classical texts.

Usage highlights

silkworm caterpillarcaterpillar on a leafcaterpillar stagecaterpillar of a mothcaterpillar transformation

Synonyms

Antonyms

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

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The caterpillar (蠋) feeds on mulberry leaves.
  • A silkworm is a type of caterpillar (蚕蠋).
  • Ancient texts describe the transformation of a caterpillar (蠋) into a butterfly.

Collocations

  • silkworm caterpillar(蚕蠋)
  • caterpillar on a leaf(叶上之蠋)
  • caterpillar stage(蠋期)
  • caterpillar of a moth(蛾蠋)
  • caterpillar transformation(蠋化)

Idioms

  • The caterpillar transforms into a butterfly(蠋化蝶)
  • As the caterpillar spins its cocoon(作茧自缚)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Appears in classical Chinese texts like the Zhuangzi, symbolizing transformation and metamorphosis.
  • Often associated with silkworms in agricultural and textile history.
  • Used metaphorically for potential and hidden development before achieving a higher state.

FAQ