How to Write 蟊 (máo) — Meaning “destructive insect / pest”

Imagine a spear (矛) stabbing an insect (虫) to remind you that this character means a destructive pest. The spear stands for the harm the pest causes, and the insect is the source of the damage.

Pay attention to the dot inside the top part 矛; it is easy to forget. Also keep the top part narrow and the bottom 虫 wider to maintain balance. The total is 17 strokes, so write slowly and carefully.

蟊 means a destructive pest, while 蝌 refers to a tadpole and 蝎 means a scorpion. Visually, 蟊 has 矛 on top, 蝌 has 科 on the right side, and 蝎 has 曷 on the right side. Their meanings are completely different.

蟊 is not common in daily conversation but appears in literary or formal contexts. It is often used in the word 蟊贼 (máo zéi) to describe a pest or a scoundrel, and can also refer to insect damage in agriculture.

Common words containing 蟊 include: 蟊贼 (máo zéi) — pest / thief / scoundrel; 害蟊 (hài máo) — Destructive insects / Pests; 蟊害 (máo hài) — pest damage / scourge.