燕
also: つばくらめ · つばくら · つばくろ
Meanings
1
swallow; martin
usually written using kana alone
General term for swallows and martins (family Hirundinidae). Sense 2 specifies the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), the most common species in Japan.
In spring, the swallows come back to build their nests.
I found a swallow's nest under the eaves.
2
younger man in an age-gap relationship; boy toy
Slang for a younger man romantically involved with an older woman. Often used in the phrase 若い燕 (わかいつばめ).
See also: 若い燕
She showed up at the party with a younger boyfriend.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に燕が巣を作るswallows build a nest at <place>
Swallows built a nest under the eaves.
- 燕が飛来するswallows arrive (as a sign of spring)
Swallows arrive when spring comes.
Expressions
- 若い燕young lover of an older woman; boy toy