This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

Readings

Kana: ほたる、ホタル
Romaji: hotaru, hotaru
Kana
Romaji

Definition

1

firefly (Luciola cruciata); lightning bug; glowworm

Note: word usually written using kana alone

Kanji

Readings: ケイ、 ほたる
Meanings: lightning-bug, firefly
Readings: ケイ、 ほたる
Meaning: firefly

Example Sentences

ハリーは本当(ほんとう)蛍光灯(けいこうとう)だね。
➥Harry's really slow to catch on.
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以前(いぜん)この(あたり)にたくさんのホタルがいたものだった。
➥There used to be lots of fireflies around here.
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そこの蛍光灯(けいこうとう)交換(こうかん)しないといけない。
➥I must replace that fluorescent lamp.
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蛍光灯(けいこうとう)がチカチカしてるな。(あたら)しいのと交換(こうかん)しないとダメかな。
➥This fluorescent lamp is starting to flicker. We'll have to replace it.
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