Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
虫唾が走る (むしずがはしる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ru)
to be disgusted ; to be repulsed ; to get the creeps
idiomatic expression
Idiomatic expression describing a visceral feeling of disgust, as if insects are crawling inside. Often used with ～ほど or ～くらい to indicate the degree of revulsion.
あの 映えい 画が の 残ざん 酷こく な シーン に は 虫むし 唾ず が 走はし る 。
The cruel scenes in that movie give me the creeps.
Written forms 虫唾むしず が 走はし る
Standard kanji spelling; 虫唾 literally 'insect saliva' is a metaphor for disgust.
虫むし 酸ず が 走はし る
Variant spelling using 酸 'acid', emphasizing the sour/bitter feeling of disgust.
Similar words 吐は き 気け がする Means 'to feel nauseous' physically, while 虫唾が走る is more about emotional disgust or revulsion.
鳥とり 肌はだ が 立た つ Means 'to get goosebumps', often from fear or cold, whereas 虫唾が走る is specifically for disgust.
Etymology The phrase literally means 'insect saliva runs', an old metaphorical expression for the feeling of disgust. The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely draws on the unpleasant sensation associated with insects.
