巣 (cháo) - Nest — refers to the dwelling place of & also metaphorically used for a den, lair, or

巣Tone 2

cháo ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

嫦晨

巣 · cháo

Nest — refers to the dwelling place of birds, insects, or other animals;

also metaphorically used for a den, lair, or base of operations.

Nest — refers to the dwelling place ofalso metaphorically used for a den, lair, or

Usage highlights

Bird's nestBeehiveLair / DenNest eggBandits' denOld nest / Base

Synonyms

  • 窝— nest; den (more colloquial)

Antonyms

  • 野— wild; open field (as opposed to a contained nest)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The bird built a nest (鸟巢) in the tree.
  • The hornet's nest (蜂巢) was under the eaves.
  • The thieves had a secret hideout (贼巢).
  • He returned to his nest (老巢) after the mission.

Collocations

  • Bird's nest(鸟巢)
  • Beehive(蜂巢)
  • Lair / Den(巢穴)
  • Nest egg(巢箱)
  • Bandits' den(匪巢)
  • Old nest / Base(老巢)

Idioms

  • To overturn the nest, leaving no eggs intact(覆巢之下无完卵)
  • To flee from the nest(离巢)
  • To return to the nest(归巢)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Represents home, safety, and origin, but can also imply a place of conspiracy or danger when used metaphorically (e.g., 贼巢).
  • The character's structure visually resembles a nest with intertwined branches.

FAQ