Meanings of 巢穴
By ear
Play it, then pick what 巢穴 means.
About 巢穴
Podcast: 巢穴
Podcast: 巢穴
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 巢穴
窝 (wō, nest) vs 巢 (cháo, nest) — use 巢穴 for a more specific reference to a shelter or den, while 窝 is more general and can refer to any kind of nest.
Be careful not to confuse '巢穴' with similar-sounding words that denote more general locations or spaces. This term is somewhat formal and might be used in literary or descriptive contexts. Common collocations include '动物的巢穴' (the lair of an animal) and '秘密巢穴' (secret hideout).
As an HSK 6 word, '巢穴' connects with other advanced vocabulary related to wildlife and metaphorical spaces. Students should focus on understanding its usage in both literal and figurative contexts, as well as recognizing its compound structure for better comprehension of similar terms.
Learners often mistakenly use '巢穴' to refer to general homes or living spaces, which is incorrect. Instead, it should be used specifically for nests or hideouts, such as saying '我的家是一个巢穴' (My home is a lair), which doesn't convey the intended meaning. A better phrase would be '我的家是一个温暖的地方' (My home is a warm place).
Pronunciation of 巢穴
Drill the tone of 巢穴 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 巢穴 to you
Let me explain 巢穴 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 巢穴 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 巢穴?
Learning Lab
Knowing 巢穴 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say lair in Chinese
“lair” in Chinese is巢穴
The term '巢穴' (chao2 xue2) refers to a place where animals, such as birds or other creatures, build nests or dens for shelter and raising their young. It can also metaphorically describe a hideout or a secret place for humans. This word is often used in literature and discussions about wildlife or in a figurative sense when referring to someone's private space or secretive activities.
When to use 巢穴
Be careful not to confuse '巢穴' with similar-sounding words that denote more general locations or spaces. This term is somewhat formal and might be used in literary or descriptive contexts. Common collocations include '动物的巢穴' (the lair of an animal) and '秘密巢穴' (secret hideout).
巢穴 or something close to it
窝 (wō, nest) vs 巢 (cháo, nest) — use 巢穴 for a more specific reference to a shelter or den, while 窝 is more general and can refer to any kind of nest.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use '巢穴' to refer to general homes or living spaces, which is incorrect. Instead, it should be used specifically for nests or hideouts, such as saying '我的家是一个巢穴' (My home is a lair), which doesn't convey the intended meaning. A better phrase would be '我的家是一个温暖的地方' (My home is a warm place).
Write 巢穴
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 巢穴 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 巢穴
巢穴 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
两只小鸟一出壳就离开了____。
As soon as the two chicks hatch, they leave the nest burrow.
Example sentences for 巢穴 (2)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 巢穴?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 巢穴
While it primarily refers to animal nests or dens, it can also metaphorically describe a person's hideout or secret place.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 巢穴?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.