巢 (cháo) - Nest — refers to a bird's nest, animal & also used metaphorically for a hideout or base.

巢Tone 2

cháo ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

嫦晨

巢 · cháo

Nest — refers to a bird's nest, animal den, or any dwelling place;

also used metaphorically for a hideout or base.

Nest — refers to a bird's nest, animalalso used metaphorically for a hideout or base.

Usage highlights

Bird's nestNest holeBeehiveBandit's lairOld nestBuild a nest

Synonyms

  • 窝— nest, den (more colloquial)
  • 穴— den, lair, cave

Antonyms

  • 野— wild, open field (opposite of sheltered nest)
  • 散— scatter, disperse (opposite of gathering in a nest)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The bird built a nest (鸟巢) in the tree.
  • The bandits had a secret hideout (贼巢).
  • This is the main headquarters (大本营) or nest (巢穴).
  • The hornet's nest (蜂巢) was in the attic.

Collocations

  • Bird's nest(鸟巢)
  • Nest hole(巢穴)
  • Beehive(蜂巢)
  • Bandit's lair(匪巢)
  • Old nest(旧巢)
  • Build a nest(筑巢)

Idioms

  • To stir up a hornet's nest(捅马蜂窝)
  • Like a bird returning to its nest(如鸟归巢)
  • To overturn the nest and leave no egg intact(巢倾卵覆)
  • The nest is destroyed, no egg remains intact(覆巢无完卵)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, the nest symbolizes home, safety, and family, much like birds returning to their nests.
  • The character appears in historical contexts referring to bandit strongholds or rebel bases.
  • The Beijing National Stadium is nicknamed the 'Bird's Nest' (鸟巢) for its architectural design.

FAQ