Alternative writings:
JLPT:N3
Frequency:
1

A nest or hive where birds or insects lay eggs and raise their young (e.g., bird's nest, beehive).

Noun

Examples

庭の木に小さな鳥の巣があった。

There was a small bird's nest in the tree in the garden.

蜂の巣が家の軒下にできてしまった。

A beehive has formed under the eaves of the house.

親鳥が巣で子どもを温めている。

The parent bird is warming its chicks in the nest.

2

A den or lair where an animal lives or hides.

Noun

Examples

キツネは土手の下に巣を作っている。

A fox has made its den under the embankment.

寒い季節は、動物たちが巣にこもることが多い。

In cold seasons, animals often stay inside their dens.

3

A haunt or place where a certain kind of people (often undesirable) gather; used in phrases like 'a den of ...'.

Noun

Examples

その店はスリの巣になっていると聞いた。

I've heard that the shop has become a den for pickpockets.

町の一角が不良たちの巣と化していた。

One corner of the town had become a haunt for delinquents.

4

A spider's web (the tangled silk threads spun by spiders).

Noun

Examples

古い倉庫の隅に大きな蜘蛛の巣が張っていた。

A large spider's web was spread in the corner of the old warehouse.

窓に積もった埃に小さな巣ができていた。

A small web had formed in the dust on the window.