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蛲 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
蛲náoparasitic worm; human pinwormn, 12 strokes, radical 虫
蛲náohuman pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)unknown, 12 strokes, radical 虫
náo(nao2) T2
  1. 1parasitic worm; human pinworm
  2. 2human pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
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March 24, 2026

蛲(蟯)náo(nao2)

The character 蛲 (náo) refers specifically to a type of parasitic worm known as the human pinworm, which is commonly found in the intestines. These worms are particularly prevalent among children and can cause itching around the anus, leading to discomfort and sleep disturbances. This term is primarily used in medical contexts when discussing parasitic infections or treatments.

Strokes12Radical虫
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, discussions about health and hygiene, particularly regarding parasites, are important, especially in relation to children's health. This reflects a broader emphasis on cleanliness and preventive care in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tiny worm (the character 蛲 looks a bit like a worm) that is causing a 'nasty' situation, making kids feel uncomfortable. The 'náo' sounds like 'naughty,' which you can associate with a mischievous worm causing trouble in the intestines.

Meanings of 蛲

náo(nao2)
1parasitic worm; human pinworm
2human pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 蛲

蛲Simplified
蟯Traditional
12Strokes
虫Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 蛲

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Podcast: 蛲

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AI Study Notes for 蛲

Usage Notes

This term is mostly used in medical discussions, so be aware of the context when using it. Common mistakes include confusing 蛲 with similar-sounding words or characters that refer to other types of worms or parasites. Be cautious with pronunciation, especially with the third tone.

HSK Study Tips

Since 蛲 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, learners should focus on understanding its medical context and related terms in healthcare. Familiarity with other characters related to health and biology can enhance understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 蛲 with 蛔 (huǐ), which means roundworm. It is important to remember that 蛲 specifically refers to pinworms and to use it in appropriate medical contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 蛲

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Etymology of 蛲

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

worm

Semantic (meaning)虫
+
Phonetic (sound)尧
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 蛲

  1. 1The meaning half虫 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half尧 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayworm
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 蛲? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 蛲?

Decomposition of 蛲

IDS Structure⿰虫尧
蛲Full Character
=
虫chong2
left
尧Yao2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 蛲?

How to say parasitic worm; human pinworm in Chinese

“parasitic worm; human pinworm” in Chinese is蛲náo

The character 蛲 (náo) refers specifically to a type of parasitic worm known as the human pinworm, which is commonly found in the intestines. These worms are particularly prevalent among children and can cause itching around the anus, leading to discomfort and sleep disturbances. This term is primarily used in medical contexts when discussing parasitic infections or treatments.

When to use 蛲

This term is mostly used in medical discussions, so be aware of the context when using it. Common mistakes include confusing 蛲 with similar-sounding words or characters that refer to other types of worms or parasites. Be cautious with pronunciation, especially with the third tone.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 蛲 with 蛔 (huǐ), which means roundworm. It is important to remember that 蛲 specifically refers to pinworms and to use it in appropriate medical contexts.

Write 蛲

蛲

Practice writing 蛲 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 蛲

Words Containing This Character3
蛲虫parasitic worm蟯蟲
蛲náoparasitic worm蟯
蛲虫病enterobiasis蟯蟲病
Exercise 1 of 3

Compound Meaning

What does 蛲虫 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 蛲

蛲 specifically refers to the human pinworm, whereas other terms are used for different types of parasites, such as 蛔虫 (huǐchóng) for roundworms.

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