also: つばくらめ · つばくら · つばくろ
swallow; martin
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.
軒下に燕の巣を見つけた。
I found a swallow's nest under the eaves.
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
彼女は若い燕を連れてパーティーに現れた。
She showed up at the party with a younger boyfriend.
Swallows built a nest under the eaves.
Swallows arrive when spring comes.
swallow-tailed kite
Katakana spelling, often used in biological contexts or for emphasis.
Kana spelling is very common.
Obsolete kana form; not used in modern Japanese.
Obsolete kana form; not used in modern Japanese.
Obsolete kana form; not used in modern Japanese.