A2 noun 中性 #8,000 最常用 2分钟阅读

つばめ

tsubame /tsu͍bame/

Overview

The Japanese word 'つばめ' (tsubame) refers to a swallow, a small, agile migratory bird known for its distinctive V-shaped tail and acrobatic flight. These birds are a common sight in Japan, especially during the warmer months, as they are migratory and travel long distances between their breeding grounds and wintering areas.

Culturally, swallows hold a significant and generally positive place in Japanese folklore and symbolism. They are often associated with good luck, happiness, and the arrival of spring. Their return is a welcome sign of warmer weather and renewal. Farmers historically welcomed swallows because they prey on insects that could harm crops, making them a symbol of prosperity and a bountiful harvest. It's not uncommon to see swallows nesting under the eaves of traditional Japanese homes and temples, and their presence is often seen as a blessing.

In art and literature, 'つばめ' frequently appears as a motif, symbolizing grace, freedom, and the changing seasons. The image of a swallow in flight is often depicted in traditional Japanese paintings (ukiyo-e), textiles, and ceramics. Their swift and elegant movements have inspired countless poems and stories.

While 'つばめ' is the most common and widely understood term for swallow, there are other terms that might be used in specific contexts. For example, '燕' is the kanji character for swallow, and it can also be read as 'en' in some compound words. However, for everyday conversation and general reference, 'つばめ' (written in hiragana or katakana, ツバメ) is the standard. The diminutive 'つばめちゃん' (tsubame-chan) might be used endearingly, particularly when referring to a young swallow or in children's stories.

In summary, 'つばめ' is more than just a word for a bird; it carries a rich tapestry of cultural associations, representing the beauty of nature, the promise of spring, and good fortune in Japan.

例句

1

つばめが空高く舞っています。

nature

Swallows are dancing high in the sky.

2

つばめが巣を作る季節になりました。

nature

It's the season for swallows to build nests.

3

軒先につばめの巣があります。

daily life

There is a swallow's nest under the eaves.

4

つばめは益鳥として知られています。

nature

Swallows are known as beneficial birds.

5

子供の頃、つばめが飛ぶのを見るのが好きでした。

personal anecdote

When I was a child, I liked watching swallows fly.

常见搭配

燕が飛ぶ (Tsubame ga tobu - A swallow flies)
燕の巣 (Tsubame no su - Swallow's nest)
燕返し (Tsubame gaeshi - Swallow counterattack - a sword technique)

如何使用

When referring to a 'swallow' in Japanese, 'つばめ' (tsubame) is the most common and direct term. It is used broadly for the bird species. In casual conversation or writing, 'つばめ' can be used without any specific honorifics or formal constructions. For example, 'つばめが飛んでいる' (tsubame ga tonde iru) means 'A swallow is flying.' When encountered in literature or more artistic contexts, its symbolic meanings related to spring, good luck, and diligence often come into play, enriching the understanding of the text. While 'つばめ' is straightforward, it's worth noting that like many animal names, it can sometimes be used metaphorically or in idioms, though these uses are less common than its direct reference to the bird. It's not typically used as a personal name, but its imagery is frequently incorporated into designs and art. The term is universally understood across Japan and carries positive connotations. No specific pronunciation difficulties are associated with 'つばme' for learners of Japanese, as it follows standard phonetic rules.

常见错误

150 WORDS.

小贴士

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Word Type

'つばめ' (tsubame) is a noun. It refers to the bird known as a swallow.

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Common Usage

This word is very common and directly refers to the bird. It's often encountered in nature contexts, poetry, and sometimes as a symbolic animal (e.g., representing spring or good luck).

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Example Sentence

'春になると、つばめが南からやってくる。' (Haru ni naru to, tsubame ga minami kara yattekuru.) - 'When spring comes, swallows arrive from the south.' 'つばめが軒先に巣を作った。' (Tsubame ga nokisaki ni su o tsukutta.) - 'A swallow built a nest under the eaves.'

词源

The word 'tsubame' is believed to have originated from ancient Japanese. One prominent theory suggests it comes from 'tsuba-me' (飛び芽), meaning 'flying sprout' or 'flying bud,' referring to the bird's swift and agile flight, reminiscent of a sprouting plant shooting upwards. Another theory proposes a connection to 'tsubamu' (啄む), an old verb meaning 'to peck' or 'to nibble,' describing how swallows catch insects. Historically, swallows have been significant in Japanese culture, often appearing in poetry, art, and folklore. They are considered symbols of good luck, fertility, and the arrival of spring. Their migratory patterns were observed and understood centuries ago, further cementing their place in seasonal traditions. The kanji representation for tsubame (燕) itself is a pictograph depicting a swallow, highlighting its long-standing recognition. Over time, the pronunciation and written form have remained relatively consistent, evolving from earlier forms of the language into the modern 'tsubame' we use today. Its rich cultural and linguistic history underscores its deep roots in the Japanese consciousness.

文化背景

The swallow (つばめ, tsubame) holds a special place in Japanese culture, often appearing in literature, art, and folklore. It is a beloved symbol of spring, good fortune, and renewal, due to its annual migration and the belief that it brings prosperity to the homes it nests in. Swallows are frequently depicted in ukiyo-e woodblock prints, often alongside cherry blossoms or willows, further emphasizing their association with the changing seasons. In traditional Japanese poetry, haiku, the swallow is a common kigo (seasonal word) for spring. Its swift, graceful flight has also inspired various artistic and martial movements. The bird's industrious nature, as it diligently builds its nest, is sometimes seen as a metaphor for hard work and perseverance. Furthermore, the swallow is considered a lucky omen, with the arrival of swallows around a home believed to bring happiness and protection from harm. This cultural significance has ensured the swallow's enduring presence as a cherished motif in Japanese aesthetic and spiritual life.

记忆技巧

mnemonic

常见问题

4 个问题

'つばめ' (tsubame) is the Japanese word for 'swallow', referring to a small, migratory bird known for its graceful flight and V-shaped tail. These birds are often associated with spring and good luck in Japanese culture. They build nests in eaves of houses and are a common sight in rural and suburban areas during warmer months.

In Japan, swallows are highly regarded and carry significant cultural symbolism. They are seen as harbingers of spring and good fortune, often associated with fertility, prosperous harvests, and family well-being. It's considered lucky for a swallow to build a nest on one's home. Their return each year symbolizes renewal and hope, making them a beloved motif in traditional art, literature, and folklore.

Yes, there are several. One common saying is '燕の巣立つ頃' (tsubame no sudatsu koro), meaning 'around the time the swallows fledge their nests,' which refers to early summer. Another proverb, '燕が低く飛ぶと雨' (tsubame ga hikuku tobu to ame), meaning 'when swallows fly low, it will rain,' is a traditional weatherlore observation, as swallows often fly lower to catch insects in humid air before a storm.

Swallows are widespread throughout Japan, especially during their breeding season from spring to late summer. They prefer open areas with access to mud for nest building and insects for food, making them common in farmlands, riverbanks, and suburban neighborhoods. You'll often spot them swooping gracefully over fields or perched on power lines, and their distinctive nests can frequently be found under the eaves of traditional and modern buildings alike.

自我测试

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空を軽やかに舞う(   )の姿は、春の訪れを感じさせます。

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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(   )が軒先に巣を作るのは、昔から縁起が良いと言われています。

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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童謡「赤とんぼ」には「とまっている(   )のねぐら」という歌詞があります。

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

得分: /3

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