Japanese Conversation · Level 10
90 words
Japanese word
つばめ
Pronunciation
Romajitsubame
Meaning
- nounswallow
Example
軒下につばめが巣を作ります。noki shita ni tsu ba me ga su o tsuku ri ma su
A swallow builds a nest under the eaves.
More examples
春になるとつばめが南から戻ってきます。haru ni na ru to tsu ba me ga minami ka ra modo tte ki ma su
When spring comes, swallows return from the south.
Core concept
Refers to a familiar migratory bird associated with human homes, especially through the mud nests it builds under eaves.
Common phrases
つばめの巣tsu ba me no su
swallow's nest
つばめの群れtsu ba me no mu re
flock of swallows
Similar words
つばくろtsubakuro: A traditional name for a small migratory bird that returns in spring and nests near people.
Definition in Japanese
人家の軒下に巣を作る習性で知られる、春に渡来する小形の渡り鳥。jin ka no noki shita ni su o tsuku ru shū sei de shi ra re ru haru ni to rai su ru ko gata no wata ri dori
Word origin
つばめ (tsubame) is a native Japanese word represented by 燕 (tsubame, "swallow"); the word's earlier origin is uncertain and has no securely established component meanings.
Usage tips
- In English, swallow is also a verb for taking food or drink down the throat, but つばめ (tsubame) refers only to the bird in this sense.
Other meanings
- martinnoun