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B2 noun #7,500 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

寄生虫

Q: Is the movie 'Parasite' called 'Kiseichū' in Japan?

No, it's titled 'パラサイト 半地下の家族' (Parasite: The Family Under the Basement), using the katakana loanword.

kiseichuu 상위 7,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 寄生虫 30초 만에

설명 寄生虫 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 寄生虫 (kiseichū) means 'parasite' or a 'bad bug' that lives inside a body. You might see the last character 虫 (mushi), which you already know means 'bug' or 'insect.' At this stage, think of it as a scientific word you might see in a zoo or a doctor's office. You don't need to use it in conversation, but if you see it in a picture book about nature, it refers to a tiny creature that eats another creature's food. Just remember: 寄 (depend) + 生 (life) + 虫 (bug). It's a bug that depends on others for life. This is a big word for a beginner, so don't worry if it's hard to remember!

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you can start to understand that 寄生虫 is a noun used to describe biological parasites. You might learn it when talking about health or animals. For example, 'The dog has parasites' (犬に寄生虫がいます). You should recognize the word when you hear it in a health context, like when a teacher tells students to wash their hands to avoid 'bad bugs.' You can also start to see how the word is built from smaller parts. 寄 (ki) is used in words like '寄る' (yoru - to stop by), so it's a bug that 'stops by' and stays! It's a useful word if you like watching nature shows on TV.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 寄生虫 in simple sentences about biology or hygiene. You should understand the verb form '寄生する' (kisei suru - to parasitize). You might encounter this word in news reports about food safety, such as warnings about eating raw wild game (ジビエ) or certain types of fish. You should also be aware that the word can be used metaphorically to describe a person, although you should be very careful because it sounds very mean. At this level, you can distinguish between a 寄生虫 (parasite) and a 害虫 (gaichū - pest like a cockroach). One lives on a host, the other just causes trouble around the house.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of 寄生虫 in social and scientific contexts. You should be able to discuss the 'Parasite Single' phenomenon (adults living with parents) and understand why the word is used in that context. You should know common collocations like '寄生虫を駆除する' (to exterminate parasites) and '寄生虫に感染する' (to be infected by parasites). You should also be able to understand the word when it appears in literature or complex movie reviews (like for the film 'Parasite'). You understand that calling someone a 寄生虫 is a serious insult and can explain the biological relationship between a parasite and its host (宿主 - yadonushi).

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 寄生虫. You can use it in academic discussions about ecology, medicine, or sociology. You understand the historical context of parasite eradication in post-war Japan and how it improved public health. You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors, such as describing a political entity that drains the resources of a country. You are also familiar with related technical terms like '寄生性' (kiseisei - parasitism/parasitic nature) and can discuss the evolutionary advantages and disadvantages of such a lifestyle. You can read scientific papers or high-level editorials that use this word without needing a dictionary.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, you understand 寄生虫 in all its biological, social, and philosophical dimensions. You can engage in deep debates about whether certain economic structures are 'parasitic' in nature. You are aware of the word's usage in classical literature or specific scientific niches (like endoparasites vs. ectoparasites). You can perfectly navigate the social sensitivity of the word, knowing exactly when a metaphor is appropriate and when it is too inflammatory. You might even know obscure facts, like the history of the Meguro Parasitological Museum or specific species names in Japanese. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for complex analysis of relationships, whether biological or human.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

寄生虫 30초 만에

A biological organism living on a host.
A harsh social insult for a freeloader.
Commonly used in medical and scientific Japanese.
Consists of kanji for 'depend,' 'life,' and 'bug.'

The Japanese word 寄生虫 (kiseichū) is a compound noun that translates directly to 'parasite.' To understand its depth, we must first look at its constituent kanji. The first character, 寄 (ki), carries meanings of 'to approach,' 'to gather,' or 'to depend upon.' The second, 生 (sei), means 'life' or 'living.' The final character, 虫 (chū), traditionally means 'insect' or 'bug,' but in historical and scientific contexts, it refers to a wide variety of small creatures, including worms and larvae. Thus, 寄生虫 literally describes a 'living thing that depends on another bug/creature' for its existence. In a biological sense, it refers to any organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (the host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense. This includes everything from microscopic protozoa to visible worms like tapeworms or external pests like lice.

Biological Context: In Japanese science classes and medical environments, 寄生虫 is the standard term for parasites. It is used when discussing public health, hygiene, and the life cycles of various organisms. For example, '寄生虫学' (kiseichūgaku) is the study of parasitology.
Metaphorical Context: Socially, the word is used as a harsh insult. It describes individuals who live off the wealth, labor, or kindness of others without contributing anything in return. This is similar to the English 'social parasite' or 'leech.' It is often used in political discourse or family arguments to shame someone for their perceived laziness or dependency.

この池の水には寄生虫がいる可能性があるので、飲まないでください。(There is a possibility of parasites in this pond water, so please do not drink it.)

Historically, Japan had significant issues with water-borne and soil-borne parasites in the early 20th century. This history has left a mark on the language, where hygiene and the eradication of parasites (駆除 - kujo) are common topics in historical documentaries. The word gained massive international cultural relevance in 2019 with the release of the South Korean film 'Parasite,' which was titled 'パラサイト半地下の家族' (Parasite: The Family Under the Basement) in Japan, but the thematic discussions surrounding it heavily utilized the term 寄生虫 to describe the class dynamics depicted in the movie.

彼は親の金で遊んで暮らしている、まさに社会の寄生虫だ。(He lives off his parents' money; he is truly a parasite of society.)

Medical Importance: Doctors use this word when diagnosing infections like malaria (caused by a parasite) or intestinal worms. It is a formal, technical term in this setting.

When using this word, one must be extremely careful. Calling a person a 寄生虫 is a severe character attack. It suggests that the person is not humanly autonomous and is essentially a pest. In anime and manga, however, the word is often used literally in sci-fi or horror settings, such as the famous series 'Parasyte' (寄生獣 - Kiseijū), where the 'beasts' (獣) are parasitic in nature.

Using 寄生虫 (kiseichū) effectively requires an understanding of both its biological and metaphorical nuances. In a grammatical sense, it functions as a standard noun. It can be the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or modified by adjectives. Because it ends in 'chū' (虫), it follows standard noun patterns for pluralization (which is often implied by context in Japanese) and particle attachment.

As a Biological Subject: When discussing biology, you often use the verb 寄生する (kisei suru), which means 'to parasitize.' The structure is usually [Host] + に + 寄生する. For example: 'その虫は人間に寄生する' (That insect parasitizes humans).

加熱が不十分な魚を食べると、寄生虫に感染する恐れがあります。(Eating undercooked fish carries the risk of being infected by parasites.)

In metaphorical usage, 寄生虫 is often paired with the particle 'のよう' (no yō) to create a simile, or used directly with 'だ' (da) or 'である' (de aru) for a direct metaphor. For example, '社会の寄生虫のような存在' (An existence like a parasite of society). It highlights a relationship where one side gives and the other only takes.

あいつは他人の手柄に寄生虫みたいにしがみついている。(That guy is clinging to other people's achievements like a parasite.)

In academic writing, you will see 寄生虫 used in compound words. For instance, '寄生虫病' (kiseichū-byō - parasitic disease) or '寄生虫卵' (kiseichū-ran - parasite eggs). These are technical terms used in health reports and medical journals. When writing about environment or ecology, you might discuss the '寄生虫と宿主の関係' (the relationship between the parasite and the host).

Negative Connotation: Be aware that in informal speech, calling someone a 寄生虫 is much more offensive than calling them a 'freeloader' (居候 - isōrō). It implies they are physically and morally repulsive.

研究者は、その新種の寄生虫が生態系に与える影響を調査している。(Researchers are investigating the impact that this new species of parasite has on the ecosystem.)

You will encounter 寄生虫 (kiseichū) in several distinct environments in Japan. Understanding these contexts helps in grasping the word's register and frequency. While it is not a word used in every daily conversation, it is essential for specific domains.

1. Medical and Health Contexts: In Japanese schools, students often undergo health checks. Historically, '寄生虫検査' (parasite checks) were a standard part of the annual physical. While less common now due to high hygiene standards, the term still appears in health brochures, especially when traveling abroad to tropical regions. You'll hear it in clinics if you have symptoms of food poisoning from raw meat or fish (like Anisakis).
2. Nature and Science Documentaries: Programs on NHK or National Geographic (voiced in Japanese) frequently use this word. It is used to describe the complex relationships in the animal kingdom, such as parasitic wasps or cuckoos. Here, the word is purely descriptive and lacks the negative social weight.

「サナダムシ」は、最もよく知られた寄生虫の一つです。('Sanadamushi' [tapeworm] is one of the most well-known parasites.)

Another unique place to hear this word is at the Meguro Parasitological Museum in Tokyo. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to parasites. The exhibits and audio guides use 寄生虫 extensively, explaining everything from the life cycle of the malaria parasite to the 8.8-meter-long tapeworm on display.

3. News and Social Commentary: In editorial pieces or heated political debates, you might hear '税金の寄生虫' (zeikin no kiseichū), meaning 'parasites of tax money.' This refers to people or organizations perceived to be wasting public funds. It is a highly charged and controversial usage.

ネット掲示板では、働かない人を寄生虫と呼んで叩くことがあります。(On internet forums, people who don't work are sometimes attacked and called parasites.)

Learning to use 寄生虫 (kiseichū) involves avoiding several linguistic and social pitfalls. Because the word has such a strong derogatory potential, misuse can lead to significant misunderstandings or offense.

1. Confusing with Bacteria or Viruses: In English, people sometimes use 'germs' or 'bugs' as a catch-all. In Japanese, 寄生虫 is strictly for parasitic organisms. Do not use it for 'bacteria' (細菌 - saikin) or 'viruses' (ウイルス - uirusu). For example, you wouldn't say the 'flu parasite'; you would say 'インフルエンザウイルス' (influenza virus).
2. Social Over-Intensity: If you want to say a friend is 'mooching' off you for a meal, do NOT use 寄生虫. It is far too aggressive. Instead, use 'たかる' (takaru - to sponge off) or 'おごらせる' (ogoraseru - to make someone treat you). 寄生虫 implies they are a sub-human drain on your life.

❌ 彼は私の寄生虫です。(He is my parasite - Meaning he lives inside you biologically or is a total drain).
✅ 彼は私の家に居候しています。(He is staying/living at my house as a guest/moocher).

Another mistake involves the kanji. Students sometimes write 虫 (mushi) as 忠 (chū - loyalty) because they sound the same. Always remember that a parasite is a 'bug' (虫), not 'loyal' (忠). In fact, a parasite is the opposite of loyal!

Lastly, avoid using the word in professional settings unless you are a scientist or doctor. In a business context, if someone is not doing their work, calling them a 寄生虫 is considered 'power harassment' (パワハラ) and can have legal or disciplinary consequences. Use softer terms like '非効率的' (hikōritsuteki - inefficient) or '貢献度が低い' (kōkendō ga hikui - low contribution level).

❌ あの社員は会社の寄生虫だ。(That employee is the company's parasite).
✅ あの社員はあまり仕事をしていない。(That employee isn't doing much work).

While 寄生虫 (kiseichū) is the most direct word for 'parasite,' several other words share similar semantic space. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are being scientific, polite, or using slang.

居候 (Isōrō): This refers to a person who lives in someone else's house for free. It is much softer than 寄生虫. It can even be used self-deprecatingly or among friends. It implies a 'guest' who has overstayed or doesn't pay rent, but is still treated as a human.
ヒモ (Himo): This is a specific slang term for a man who is financially supported by a woman (often his girlfriend or wife). It literally means 'string,' implying he is tied to her or pulling her strings. It is a social 'parasite' in a romantic context.

彼は彼女のヒモとして生活している。(He is living as her 'himo' [financial dependent]).

In biological terms, you might encounter 宿主 (yadonushi), which means 'host.' This is the essential counterpart to 寄生虫. In any discussion about parasites, the host is the organism being fed upon. Another related term is 共生 (kyōsei), which means 'symbiosis.' Unlike parasitism, symbiosis can be mutually beneficial (相利共生 - sōri kyōsei).

害虫 (Gaichū): This means 'harmful insect' or 'pest' (like cockroaches or locusts). While a parasite lives *on* or *in* a host, a 'gaichū' simply causes damage to crops or property. A 寄生虫 is a specific type of biological relationship, whereas 害虫 is a broader category of unwanted pests.

農薬を使って害虫を駆除する。(Use pesticides to exterminate harmful insects.)

For academic or very formal contexts, the word 寄食者 (kishokusha) might be used to describe a 'commensal' or someone who eats at another's table. It is rare in daily life but appears in literature. Finally, パラサイト (parasaito) is the katakana version, often used specifically in the context of the 'Parasite Single' (パラサイト・シングル) phenomenon in Japan—adults who live with their parents to enjoy a carefree life.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In the Edo period, people believed 'mushi' (bugs) inside the body caused specific emotions and illnesses, leading to many idioms we use today.

발음 가이드

UK /kɪseɪtʃuː/

US /kɪseɪtʃuː/

The stress is relatively flat in Japanese, but a slight pitch drop often occurs after 'sei'.

라임이 맞는 단어

宇宙 (uchū - space) 夢中 (muchū - daze) 集中 (shūchū - focus) 空中 (kūchū - air) 道中 (dōchū - journey) 熱中 (netchū - enthusiasm) 年中 (nenjū - year-round) 心中 (shinjū - double suicide)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'chū' as a short 'chu'.
Confusing the pitch with 'kiseichu' (returning home).
Misreading the 'ki' as 'gi'.

난이도

독해 4/5

The kanji are N2/B2 level and require specific study.

쓰기 4/5

Writing 'kisei' (寄生) correctly can be tricky for learners.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but usage is socially risky.

듣기 3/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in documentaries.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

虫 (mushi) 生きる (ikiru) 生活 (seikatsu) 病気 (byōki) 感染 (kansen)

다음에 배울 것

宿主 (yadonushi) 共生 (kyōsei) 駆除 (kujo) 生態系 (seitaikei) 搾取 (sakushu)

고급

宿主特異性 (host specificity) 中間宿主 (intermediate host) 寄生去勢 (parasitic castration)

알아야 할 문법

〜による (caused by)

寄生虫による健康被害。

〜のような (like/as)

寄生虫のような生き方。

〜に寄生する (parasitize [target])

人間に寄生する。

〜を駆除する (exterminate [target])

害虫を駆除する。

〜に感染する (get infected by [target])

ウイルスに感染する。

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

これは寄生虫の本です。

This is a book about parasites.

Standard 'A is B' structure using 'desu'.

寄生虫は小さいです。

Parasites are small.

Using the 'wa' particle to define a subject.

むし（虫）がいます。

There is a bug. (Simplifying for A1).

Using 'imasu' for living things.

手を洗いましょう。寄生虫はこわいです。

Let's wash our hands. Parasites are scary.

'Mashō' for suggestion + 'i-adjective' scary.

その寄生虫は何ですか？

What is that parasite?

Basic question with 'nan desu ka'.

きせいちゅう、と読みます。

It is read as 'kiseichū'.

Explaining reading using 'to yomimasu'.

さかなに寄生虫がいます。

There is a parasite in the fish.

Location particle 'ni' + 'imasu'.

寄生虫はきらいです。

I dislike parasites.

Using 'kirai' for dislike.

犬の体に寄生虫がいました。

There were parasites on the dog's body.

Past tense of 'imasu' (imashita).

この水には寄生虫がいるかもしれません。

There might be parasites in this water.

'Kamoshirenai' indicates possibility.

寄生虫について勉強しました。

I studied about parasites.

'Nitsuite' means 'about'.

生の肉を食べると、寄生虫が心配です。

When I eat raw meat, I worry about parasites.

'To' particle used for 'when/if'.

寄生虫はどこに住んでいますか？

Where do parasites live?

'Sunde imasu' for continuous living state.

あの映画のタイトルは「寄生虫」という意味です。

That movie's title means 'parasite'.

'To iu imi' means 'means that...'

寄生虫は他の生き物から栄養をとります。

Parasites take nutrients from other living things.

'Kara' (from) + 'torimasu' (take).

お腹の中に寄生虫がいると言われました。

I was told there are parasites in my stomach.

Passive form 'iwaremashita' (was told).

寄生虫を駆除するために薬を飲みました。

I took medicine to exterminate the parasites.

'Tame ni' indicates purpose.

寄生虫に感染しないように気をつけてください。

Please be careful not to get infected by parasites.

'Nai yō ni' means 'so that not...'

彼はまるで社会の寄生虫のような生活をしている。

He is living a life just like a parasite of society.

'Marude... no yō na' (just like...).

この寄生虫は人間に害を与えます。

This parasite causes harm to humans.

'Gai o ataeru' is a set phrase for 'cause harm'.

顕微鏡で寄生虫の卵を観察しました。

I observed parasite eggs through a microscope.

'De' particle for tool/means.

寄生虫が宿主の体内で成長します。

The parasite grows inside the host's body.

'Tainai' means 'inside the body'.

野生の動物には多くの寄生虫がついています。

Wild animals have many parasites attached to them.

'Tsuite iru' means 'is attached/clinging to'.

そのニュースは寄生虫による健康被害を報じていた。

The news reported on health damage caused by parasites.

'Ni yoru' means 'caused by'.

寄生虫学の講義は非常に興味深かった。

The lecture on parasitology was extremely interesting.

Formal noun 'kiseichūgaku' (parasitology).

寄生虫は宿主を殺さずに利用し続ける戦略をとる。

Parasites adopt a strategy of continuing to use the host without killing it.

'Zuni' means 'without doing...'

その政治家は、反対派を「国の寄生虫」と呼んで批判した。

The politician criticized his opponents by calling them 'parasites of the country.'

'To yonde' (calling them as...).

寄生虫の予防には、食品の十分な加熱が不可欠です。

Sufficient heating of food is essential for the prevention of parasites.

'Fukaketsu' means 'indispensable/essential'.

彼女は親に寄生して、一度も働いたことがない。

She parasitizes her parents and has never worked once.

'Kisei shite' used as a verb for social dependency.

研究チームは新種の寄生虫を発見したと発表した。

The research team announced that they discovered a new species of parasite.

'To hapyō shita' (announced that...).

寄生虫の中には、宿主の行動を操るものもいる。

Among parasites, there are some that manipulate the host's behavior.

'Mono mo iru' (there are also those which...).

この地域では寄生虫病の撲滅に向けた取り組みが行われている。

In this region, efforts toward the eradication of parasitic diseases are being carried out.

'Ni muketa' (aimed toward...).

寄生虫の進化プロセスは、生物学における大きな謎の一つだ。

The evolutionary process of parasites is one of the great mysteries in biology.

Abstract noun 'shinka purosesu' (evolutionary process).

宿主と寄生虫の共進化に関する論文を執筆している。

I am writing a paper on the co-evolution of hosts and parasites.

'Kyō-shinka' (co-evolution).

その企業は、下請け会社に寄生する形で利益を上げている。

That company is making a profit in a way that parasitizes its subcontractors.

'Katachi de' (in the form/way of...).

寄生虫の多様性は、生態系の健全性を示す指標にもなり得る。

The diversity of parasites can also serve as an indicator of ecosystem health.

'Uri-eru' (can/is possible to...).

免疫系が寄生虫を排除しようとする反応を詳細に分析した。

We analyzed in detail the reaction of the immune system trying to eliminate parasites.

'To suru' (trying to/attempting to...).

彼は自己の利益のみを追求する、精神的な寄生虫と言える。

He can be called a spiritual parasite who pursues only his own interests.

'To ieru' (can be said that...).

寄生虫のライフサイクルを遮断することが、感染拡大防止の鍵だ。

Interrupting the parasite's life cycle is the key to preventing the spread of infection.

'Shadan suru' (to block/interrupt).

都市化が進む一方で、新たな寄生虫のリスクも浮上している。

While urbanization progresses, new risks of parasites are also emerging.

'Ippō de' (on the other hand/while...).

寄生虫という存在は、生命の定義そのものに問いを投げかけている。

The existence of parasites poses a question to the very definition of life.

'To iu sonzai' (the existence known as...).

社会構造の中に組み込まれた寄生虫的な搾取システムを解明する。

To elucidate the parasitic exploitation system embedded within the social structure.

'Kumikomareta' (embedded/built-in).

寄生虫のゲノム解析により、未知のタンパク質が同定された。

Through genome analysis of the parasite, unknown proteins were identified.

'Ni yori' (through/by means of).

文学作品における寄生虫のメタファーは、しばしば「他者」への恐怖を象徴する。

Metaphors of parasites in literary works often symbolize fear of 'the other.'

'Shibashiba' (frequently/often).

寄生虫の駆除が完了した後の生態学的空白について考察する。

To consider the ecological vacuum after the extermination of parasites is completed.

'Kōsatsu suru' (to consider/examine).

高度に洗練された寄生虫の適応戦略は、驚異的ですらある。

The highly sophisticated adaptation strategies of parasites are even miraculous.

'Sura aru' (even is/exists).

寄生虫による宿主の形質転換は、生物学の常識を覆した。

Host transformation by parasites overturned biological common sense.

'Kutsugaeshita' (overturned/capsized).

我々は、地球という惑星に寄生する存在に過ぎないのかもしれない。

We might be nothing more than beings parasitizing the planet called Earth.

'Ni sugisai' (nothing more than...).

자주 쓰는 조합

寄生虫を駆除する

寄生虫に感染する

社会の寄生虫

寄生虫の卵

寄生虫検査

寄生虫がわく

寄生虫病

寄生虫学

寄生虫館

寄生虫のような

자주 쓰는 구문

寄生虫のような男

— A man who lives off others like a parasite. Used as a strong insult.

彼は寄生虫のような男だ。

寄生虫を飼う

— Literally to keep a parasite, or metaphorically to support a useless person.

お腹の中に寄生虫を飼っている気分だ。

寄生虫がつく

— To have a parasite attach itself to you.

野良猫に寄生虫がついている。

寄生虫の温床

— A breeding ground for parasites.

その池は寄生虫の温床だ。

寄生虫を媒介する

— To mediate or carry a parasite (like a mosquito).

蚊は寄生虫を媒介する。

寄生虫に蝕まれる

— To be eaten away or eroded by parasites.

体中が寄生虫に蝕まれる。

寄生虫のライフサイクル

— The life cycle of a parasite.

寄生虫のライフサイクルを研究する。

寄生虫の宿主

— The host of a parasite.

人間は多くの寄生虫の宿主になり得る。

寄生虫の巣

— A nest or colony of parasites.

古い家は寄生虫の巣だった。

寄生虫の脅威

— The threat of parasites.

寄生虫の脅威から身を守る。

자주 혼동되는 단어

寄生虫 vs 細菌 (saikin)

Bacteria. Single-celled organisms, not multicellular parasites.

寄生虫 vs 害虫 (gaichū)

Pests like roaches. They harm crops/homes but don't necessarily live *on* a host.

寄生虫 vs 居候 (isōrō)

A person staying at someone's house. Neutral/casual compared to the harsh 'kiseichū'.

관용어 및 표현

"腹の虫がおさまらない"

— To be unable to contain one's anger. (Uses 'mushi' relating to parasites).

彼の態度に、腹の虫がおさまらない。

Idiomatic

"虫の居所が悪い"

— To be in a bad mood. (Historical belief in internal parasites/bugs affecting mood).

今日は部長の虫の居所が悪い。

Idiomatic

"虫が良すぎる"

— To be too selfish; to ask too much.

そんな要求、虫が良すぎるよ。

Idiomatic

"獅子身中の虫"

— A traitor from within; a parasite inside a lion.

彼は獅子身中の虫だった。

Literary

"虫も殺さない"

— Wouldn't even kill a bug (describing a very gentle person).

彼女は虫も殺さないような顔をしている。

Idiomatic

"虫が知らせる"

— To have a premonition or a 'gut feeling.'

嫌な予感が虫が知らせた。

Idiomatic

"虫が好かない"

— To have an instinctive dislike for someone.

どうもあの人は虫が好かない。

Idiomatic

"虫の息"

— On one's last breath; faint breathing.

倒れた男は虫の息だった。

Idiomatic

"飛んで火に入る夏の虫"

— Like a summer bug flying into a flame (heading for disaster).

それは飛んで火に入る夏の虫だ。

Idiomatic

"弱虫"

— A coward or weakling (literally 'weak bug').

彼はすぐに泣く弱虫だ。

Informal

혼동하기 쉬운

寄生虫 vs 帰省 (kisei)

Homophone (sounds like 'kisei').

'Kisei' (帰省) means returning to one's hometown. Context usually makes it clear.

お盆に帰省する (Return home for Obon).

寄生虫 vs 規制 (kisei)

Homophone.

'Kisei' (規制) means regulation or control.

交通規制 (Traffic regulation).

寄生虫 vs 既成 (kisei)

Homophone.

'Kisei' (既成) means established or existing.

既成概念 (Established concept).

寄生虫 vs 棋聖 (kisei)

Homophone.

'Kisei' (棋聖) is a professional title in Shogi or Go.

棋聖戦 (Kisei match).

寄生虫 vs 奇声 (kisei)

Homophone.

'Kisei' (奇声) means a strange voice or shriek.

奇声を上げる (To let out a strange shriek).

문장 패턴

[Place]に寄生虫がいます。

この川に寄生虫がいます。

[Food]を食べると、寄生虫が心配です。

生肉を食べると、寄生虫が心配です。

[Person]は[Someone]に寄生している。

彼は親に寄生している。

寄生虫を駆除するために、[Action]。

寄生虫を駆除するために、薬を飲んだ。

寄生虫は[Host]の[Part]に寄生する。

この寄生虫は魚の筋肉に寄生する。

[Situation]は社会の寄生虫と言わざるを得ない。

その行為は社会の寄生虫と言わざるを得ない。

寄生虫の[Noun]は[Noun]に多大な影響を及ぼす。

寄生虫の進化は宿主に多大な影響を及ぼす。

[Concept]を寄生虫的な視点から考察する。

経済格差を寄生虫的な視点から考察する。

어휘 가족

명사

寄生 (kisei - parasitism)

寄生生物 (kisei seibutsu - parasitic organism)

寄生蜂 (kiseibachi - parasitic wasp)

동사

寄生する (kisei suru - to parasitize)

형용사

寄生的な (kiseiteki na - parasitic)

사용법

frequency

Moderate (High in specific domains like medicine or nature)

자주 하는 실수

Using 寄生虫 to mean a common cold virus. → ウイルス (uirusu)
Parasites and viruses are biologically different categories in Japanese terminology.
Calling a lazy friend a 寄生虫 in a lighthearted way. → 居候 (isōrō) or たかり (takari)
Kiseichū is too harsh and implies they are sub-human or disgusting.
Writing the kanji as 寄生忠. → 寄生虫
The last kanji must be 'bug' (虫), not 'loyal' (忠).
Saying 寄生虫を感染した. → 寄生虫に感染した
Infections take the particle 'ni' to show the source/cause.
Confusing 寄生 (kisei) with 帰省 (kisei - going home). → Context dependent.
Be careful with homophones; 'returning home' is much more common in daily speech.

팁

Remember the 'Bug'

Always include the 虫 (bug) radical at the end. Without it, the word loses its meaning. Think of the 寄 as the 'house' the bug is 'visiting.'

Medical vs. Social

In a hospital, 'kiseichū' is a normal word. In an office, it's a dangerous insult. Always check your surroundings before using it.

Long Vowels

The 'ū' in 'chū' is long. If you say it short, it sounds like 'chu' (a kiss sound or a small bug sound), which is less formal.

Learn 'Host'

You can't have a parasite without a '宿主' (yadonushi). Learning these two together will help you understand biological texts much better.

Safety First

Use this word when discussing why you shouldn't eat raw wild meat. It adds a level of scientific seriousness to your warning.

Anime Context

If you watch 'Parasyte' (寄生獣), you'll hear variations of this word. It's a great way to see how it's used in sci-fi/horror.

Verb Usage

Remember that 'kisei suru' (to parasitize) takes the particle 'ni' for the host. 'A ni kisei suru' (Parasitize A).

Use Isōrō for Friends

If you're joking with a friend who always eats your food, use '居候' (isōrō) or 'たかり' (takari). It's much safer than 'kiseichū.'

Post-war Japan

Reading about Japan's post-war hygiene campaigns will show you how important 'kiseichū kujo' (parasite extermination) was for the country's development.

Mushi Idioms

Many idioms use 'mushi' because of parasites. Learning them will make your Japanese sound more natural and sophisticated.

암기하기

기억법

Key (寄) + Say (生) + Chew (虫). Imagine a 'Key' that 'Says' you shouldn't 'Chew' on parasites!

시각적 연상

Imagine a tiny worm (虫) holding a 'Key' (寄) to someone's 'Life' (生).

Word Web

Biology Host Infection Extermination Insult Dependency Moocher Worm

챌린지

Try to name three different biological parasites in Japanese (e.g., サナダムシ, アニサキス, シラミ).

어원

The term comes from Chinese characters (Sino-Japanese vocabulary). 寄 (ki) + 生 (sei) + 虫 (chū).

원래 의미: A living thing that depends on another creature/bug.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

문화적 맥락

Extremely sensitive when applied to people. It can be considered verbal abuse in workplace or formal settings.

In English, 'parasite' is often used for politicians or lazy friends. In Japan, it is similarly used but carries a slightly more 'unclean' biological nuance.

The movie 'Parasite' (2019) The manga/anime 'Parasyte' (寄生獣) The Meguro Parasitological Museum

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Medical Clinic

寄生虫検査をお願いします。
駆除薬を処方してください。
感染経路は何ですか？
症状はいつからですか？

Biology Class

宿主と寄生虫の関係。
ライフサイクルを説明する。
顕微鏡で観察する。
新種を発見する。

Social Discussion

社会の寄生虫。
パラサイト・シングル。
経済的な依存。
自立を促す。

Cooking/Safety

中心部まで加熱する。
生食は避ける。
冷凍して死滅させる。
衛生管理を徹底する。

Nature Documentary

獲物に寄生する。
体内に潜入する。
栄養分を吸収する。
宿主を操る。

대화 시작하기

"最近、面白い寄生虫のドキュメンタリーを見ましたか？"

"目黒の寄生虫館に行ったことがありますか？"

"生の魚を食べる時、寄生虫は気になりますか？"

"「パラサイト」という映画についてどう思いますか？"

"社会の寄生虫という言葉は、少し厳しすぎると思いませんか？"

일기 주제

もし自分が寄生虫だったら、どの動物に寄生したいですか？

「パラサイト・シングル」という社会現象について、あなたの国の状況はどうですか？

寄生虫から身を守るために、普段気をつけていることはありますか？

寄生虫と宿主の共進化について、あなたの考えを書いてください。

誰かを「寄生虫」と呼ぶことは、どのような影響を与えると思いますか？

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No. In biology and medicine, it is a neutral, technical term. It only becomes an insult when applied to human behavior and social dependency.

Technically, viruses are sometimes called 'obligate parasites' in English, but in Japanese, you should use 'ウイルス' (uirusu). 'Kiseichū' usually refers to protozoa, worms, and insects.

Historically, tapeworms and roundworms were common. Today, 'Anisakis' (found in raw fish) is the most frequently discussed parasite in news and food safety.

There isn't really a 'polite' way to say someone is a parasite, but '居候' (isōrō) or '経済的に依存している' (keizaiteki ni izon shite iru - economically dependent) are much less offensive.

The Meguro Parasitological Museum is world-famous because it's the only museum dedicated entirely to parasites, featuring thousands of specimens including massive tapeworms.

In modern Japanese, yes. But in the word 'kiseichū' and many idioms, it reflects an older medical belief that 'bugs' caused various internal conditions.

You can say '寄生虫駆除薬' (kiseichū kujo-yaku) or '抗寄生虫薬' (kō-kiseichū-yaku).

No, it's titled 'パラサイト半地下の家族' (Parasite: The Family Under the Basement), using the katakana loanword.

Yes, '寄生する' (kisei suru) is a common verb meaning 'to parasitize.'

Use 'ni' (に). For example: '寄生虫に感染する' (To be infected by a parasite).

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