• 虫むし — insect; bug
• 虫歯むしば — cavity (tooth decay)
• 昆虫こんちゅう — insect (scientific term)
• 害虫がいちゅう — harmful insect
• 虫眼鏡むしめがね — magnifying glass
• 寄生虫きせいちゅう — parasite

The kanji “虫” is a pictographic character that resembles a creature with antennae or segments. It’s used widely for real insects as well as metaphorical meanings in phrases like 虫むしの い居どころ が わる悪い (“in a bad mood”) or 腹はらの中の虫 (“inner feelings”).

公園こうえんで 虫むしを 見みつけました。
I found a bug in the park.

夏なつには 虫むしが 沢山たくさん 出ます。
In summer, many bugs come out.

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