Translation guide
The concept of 'nesting' in English can refer to animals building or living in nests, or to the idea of objects fitting inside one another. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
To describe birds or other animals creating or occupying a nest.
The most common way to say 'to build a nest' or 'to nest'. Literally 'make a nest'.
ツバメが軒下に巣を作っている。
Swallows are nesting under the eaves.
Used for birds building nests, especially in trees or high places. 'かける' implies hanging or suspending.
カラスが高い木に巣をかけている。
Crows are nesting in a tall tree.
A formal, technical term for 'nesting' used in biology or ornithology.
この地域では多くの鳥が春に営巣する。
Many birds nest in this area in spring.
To describe items that are designed to stack or fit together compactly, like nesting dolls or containers.
Means 'nesting' or 'telescoping' in the sense of objects that fit inside each other. Often used for tables, boxes, or dolls.
入れ子式のテーブルは収納に便利だ。
Nesting tables are convenient for storage.
ロシアの入れ子人形はマトリョーシカと呼ばれる。
Russian nesting dolls are called matryoshka.
Means 'stackable' or 'can be nested'. Used for items that can be placed one on top of another or inside another.
このボウルは重ねられるので場所を取らない。
These bowls are nesting, so they don't take up much space.
Describes the state of being nested or fitting inside one another. '入れ子' literally means 'nesting' or 'insertion'.
これらの箱は入れ子になっている。
These boxes are nested inside each other.
To refer to the urge to clean and organize the home before childbirth.
Literally 'nesting instinct'. Used in pregnancy contexts to describe the urge to prepare the home.
妊娠後期になると、巣ごもり本能で家を片付けたくなる。
In late pregnancy, the nesting instinct makes you want to tidy up the house.
Another term for 'nesting instinct', literally 'nest-building instinct'.
彼女は巣作り本能で赤ちゃんの部屋を準備した。
She prepared the baby's room out of a nesting instinct.
「巣を作る」 is the everyday expression for animals building nests. 「営巣する」 is a formal, scientific term used in written reports or documentaries.
庭の木に鳥が巣を作った。
A bird built a nest in the tree in the garden.
この島では多くの海鳥が営巣する。
Many seabirds nest on this island.
The English word 'nesting' can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'nesting folders'), but in Japanese, direct translations like 「巣作り」 are not used for computer folders. Use 「入れ子」 or 「階層」 (hierarchy) instead.