Meaning
The kanji 巣 (su / SOU) primarily means "nest," "hive," or "den." It refers to the dwelling place constructed by animals, particularly birds or insects, to lay eggs, raise their young, or reside.
Beyond its literal meaning, 巣 can also be used figuratively. It often represents a "hotbed" or "den" of activity, particularly with negative connotations when referring to places where criminals gather or problems originate. The kanji's versatile application extends to describing various animal habitats, from a bird's delicate nest to a formidable bear's den, even encompassing a "rookery" for larger groups of animals.
The origin of 巣 provides a clear insight into pictographic kanji. Its ancient form, 巢, clearly depicted birds nestled in a tree. The upper elements depicted birds, while the lower part represented a tree, clearly illustrating the concept of a dwelling built by feathered creatures. Over time, the character has been simplified to 巣, but it retains the essence of a nest. Even today, the upper components can be visualized as interwoven branches or nest materials, with the two short strokes at the very top hinting at small birds or eggs resting inside. The lower part of the character incorporates the radical 爪 (つめ), which means "claw" or "talon." This radical might allude to birds' claws used in building or clinging to a nest, or perhaps the way a nest grips onto a branch.
This kanji has 11 strokes. It is a Grade 6 Jōyō kanji, meaning it is taught in the sixth year of elementary school in Japan and is essential for daily use. Mastering 巣 is crucial for JLPT N1 learners, as it appears in a wide range of vocabulary and expressions.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 巣 is ソウ (SOU). This reading typically appears in compound words, especially in formal or abstract contexts, or when paired with other kanji. It often maintains a more scientific or formal tone compared to the native Japanese readings, frequently appearing in biological or sociological terminology.
- 巣窟 (sōkutsu) — a den, a hideout, a hotbed (often of criminals or evil). This compound literally combines "nest" (巣) with "cave/den" (窟), forming a vivid image of a lair and emphasizing a place of negative activity.
- 営巣 (eisō) — nesting, building a nest. This term is frequently used in ornithology or when discussing animal behavior, combining "to construct/manage" (営) with "nest" (巣) to describe the process of nest construction.
- 出巣 (shussu) — leaving the nest (formal/biological term). This compound is used in biological contexts to describe young birds or animals departing from their birthplace.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) for 巣 are す (su) and す.くう (suku.u). These readings are used for the kanji itself or when it is part of a native Japanese word, often appearing alone or with okurigana (送り仮名, accompanying hiragana). They tend to be used in more common, everyday expressions and directly refer to the physical object or action.
- 巣 (su) — a nest, a hive, a den. This is the most common independent use of the kanji, referring directly to an animal's dwelling. This can refer to a bird's nest, a beehive, or even a spider's web.
- 鳥の巣 (tori no su) — bird's nest. This is a straightforward and frequently used compound, specifying the type of nest for a particular animal.
- 蜂の巣 (hachi no su) — beehive, wasp's nest. Similar to "bird's nest," this specifies the insect inhabitant, often used when warning about dangerous insects.
- 巣食う (sukuu) — to nest, to infest, to breed (often implying undesirable presence). This verb form describes the action of making a nest or occupying a place. It often carries negative connotations, such as "germs infesting a wound" or "corruption infesting an organization."
Common Words & Compounds
To truly master 巣, it's essential to understand its usage in various compounds. Below are common words and phrases, categorized for clarity, illustrating how the kanji applies to everything from literal animal habitats to figurative human situations:
Animal Dwellings & Biology:
- 巣箱 (subako) — birdhouse, nesting box. (Literally "nest box," a man-made structure provided for birds to nest in.)
- 巣作り (suzukuri) — nest building. (Literally "nest making," referring to the activity of animals constructing their nests.)
- 帰巣本能 (kisō honnō) — homing instinct. (Literally "return nest instinct," the innate ability of animals to find their way back to their home or nesting area.)
- 越冬巣 (ettōsu) — winter nest, hibernaculum. (A nest specifically used for overwintering or hibernation by certain animals.)
Figurative & Social Connotations:
- 悪の巣窟 (aku no sōkutsu) — a den of evil. (Combining "evil" with "den/hideout," it strongly implies a place where bad activities or criminals gather.)
- 盗賊の巣 (tōzoku no su) — a robbers' den. (Literally "thieves' nest," a hideout or lair for criminals.)
- 巣籠もり (sugomori) — staying home (like an animal in its nest), hibernating, cooping oneself up. This term gained popularity during the pandemic, reflecting the protective and secluded nature of a nest.
Actions & States:
- 巣立つ (sudatsu) — to leave the nest (of a young bird), to become independent. (Literally "nest depart," a widely used metaphor for young people achieving independence.)
- 巣に戻る (su ni modoru) — to return to the nest. (Can be literal for animals or figurative for returning to a familiar, comfortable place.)
- 古巣 (furusu) — old nest, former home/workplace. This is a very common kun'yomi reading for 巣 when referring to a place one used to belong to or work at.
- 巣を張る (su o haru) — to spin a web (e.g., spider), to build a net. (Specifically used for spiders making their webs.)
Example Sentences
鳥が巣で卵を温めている。
Tori ga su de tamago o atatamete iru.
The bird is warming its eggs in the nest.
公園の木にたくさんの鳥の巣があります。
Kōen no ki ni takusan no tori no su ga arimasu.
There are many bird's nests in the park trees.
子鳥たちが親から巣立つ時期が来た。
Kobato-tachi ga oya kara sudatsu jiki ga kita.
The time has come for the young birds to leave the nest.
彼は古巣である会社に戻ることを決めた。
Kare wa furusu de aru kaisha ni modoru koto o kimeta.
He decided to return to his old company, his former workplace.
その廃墟は犯罪者の巣窟と化していた。
Sono haikyo wa hanzaisha no sōkutsu to kashite ita.
That ruin had turned into a den of criminals.
最近は家で巣籠もりする人が増えている。
Saikin wa ie de sugomori suru hito ga fuete iru.
Recently, the number of people staying at home (like an animal in its nest) has increased.
スズメバチの巣を見つけたら近づかないでください。
Suzumebachi no su o mitsuketara chikazukanaide kudasai.
If you find a hornet's nest, please do not go near it.
親鳥が一生懸命に巣作りしている姿は感動的だ。
Oya-dori ga isshōkenmei ni suzukuri shite iru sugata wa kandōteki da.
The sight of parent birds diligently building their nest is moving.
新婚夫婦が愛の巣で幸せに暮らしている。
Shinkon fūfu ga ai no su de shiawase ni kurashite iru.
The newlywed couple is living happily in their love nest.
Memory Tip
To easily remember the kanji 巣, visualize its components creating a bird's nest. Focus on the top part of the kanji: the element resembling 𠫝 can be seen as two small birds (represented by the two short strokes) nestled within a cozy structure (the surrounding strokes). Below this, the radical 爪 (つめ), meaning "claw" or "talon," might represent the sturdy branches supporting the nest or even the birds' claws gripping it for stability. Alternatively, you can think of the birds using their agile claws to weave and construct their home. This visual story of small birds building their home, supported by tree branches or crafted with their own talons, effectively connects to the meaning of "nest" or "hive."