巣

KANJI DETAIL

nest

On readingそう

11 strokesN2

Radical 巛 · river

Stroke order

11 strokes

Japanese readings

On reading: そう
Kun reading: す

Study notes

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

Structure: 巣 means a nest; its kun-reading is す.
Basic usage: 巣(す) means a nest or den, while 巣立ち(すだち) means leaving the nest or becoming independent.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

Birds' nests and personal independence
- 巣 is used for a nest built by swallows and for a warehouse where stray cats gather and live.
- 巣立ち describes both a young bird leaving its nest and a daughter becoming independent.