Translation guide
The mound or nest built by ants. In Japanese, the most common and natural term is 蟻塚 (ありづか), which specifically refers to the mound of earth. Other terms exist for the nest itself or the colony, but 蟻塚 is the best default for 'anthill'.
Referring to the visible pile of soil or sand that forms an ant nest.
The standard word for an anthill, specifically the mound of earth. Used in everyday language.
庭に蟻塚ができた。
An anthill formed in the garden.
子供たちが蟻塚を観察している。
The children are observing the anthill.
Literally 'ant nest'. Can refer to the entire nest structure, including underground parts, not just the mound. Slightly broader than 蟻塚.
蟻の巣を掘り返す。
Dig up an anthill.
Referring to the dwelling place of ants, not necessarily a visible mound.
The most common term for an ant nest, whether it has a mound or not.
石の下に蟻の巣があった。
There was an ant nest under the rock.
A more technical or literary term for ant nest. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
蟻巣を研究する。
Study an ant nest.
Referring to the community of ants, not the physical structure.
Uses the loanword コロニー (colony). Common in scientific or educational contexts.
蟻のコロニーには女王蟻がいる。
An ant colony has a queen ant.
Means 'a group of ants' or 'swarm of ants'. Not exactly 'anthill', but can be used when talking about the ants themselves.
蟻の群れが食べ物にたかっている。
A swarm of ants is swarming over the food.
Use 蟻塚 when you specifically mean the mound of earth. Use 蟻の巣 when referring to the nest in general, especially if it's not a visible mound (e.g., inside a tree or underground).