Translation guide
The nest of a swift, especially the edible-nest swiftlet, whose nest is used in bird's nest soup. In Japanese, this is primarily referred to as 燕の巣 (tsubame no su), but the edible variety is specifically 燕窩 (enka).
Referring to the nest built by any swift bird, not necessarily edible.
Literally 'swallow's nest', but used for swifts as well since swifts and swallows are often conflated in everyday Japanese. This is the most common way to refer to a swift's nest.
あの軒下に燕の巣がある。
There is a swift's nest under that eave.
More precise, using the word for swift (アマツバメ). Used in ornithological contexts or when distinction from swallows is needed.
アマツバメの巣は崖に作られることが多い。
Swift's nests are often built on cliffs.
The nest of the edible-nest swiftlet, used in Chinese cuisine.
The specific term for the edible nest used in bird's nest soup. This is a direct loan from Chinese and is the standard term in culinary contexts.
燕窩は高級食材として知られている。
Bird's nest is known as a luxury food ingredient.
In everyday conversation, the edible nest may simply be called 'swallow's nest', as the distinction is understood from context. Often used in menus or casual talk about the soup.
In Japanese, 燕 (tsubame) usually means 'swallow', but it is also used for swifts in common terms like 燕の巣. For scientific accuracy, use アマツバメ (amatsubame) for swifts.
ツバメの巣のスープを初めて飲んだ。
I tried bird's nest soup for the first time.