Definition

Noun: * Swiftlet (Collocalia fuciphaga): A small bird of the swift family (Apodidae) that lives primarily in coastal and island areas of Southeast Asia. It is known for building its nest using its solidified saliva. These nests are harvested to make the luxury food item "bird's nest soup." * Edible bird's nest: This term can also refer directly to the edible nest itself, which is considered a delicacy and high-value product in many Asian cuisines.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to the bird):
  • Hải yến thường làm tổ trên các vách đá cheo leo ngoài biển. (Swiftlets often build their nests on steep cliffs by the sea.)
  • Việc thu hoạch tổ hải yến là một nghề nguy hiểm. (Harvesting swiftlet nests is a dangerous profession.)
• Noun (referring to the nest):
  • Súp tổ hải yến là một món ăn bổ dưỡng. (Bird's nest soup is a nutritious dish.)
  • Tổ hải yến trắng có giá trị rất cao. (White edible bird's nests are very valuable.)

Advanced Usage

• "Tổ yến": This is a more common and general term for "edible bird's nest." While specifies the bird's marine habitat, is the standard term for the nest as a commodity or ingredient.
  • Cô ấy mua tổ yến về để nấu chè. (She bought bird's nest to make a sweet soup.)

Variants and Related Words

• Yến sào (n): This is the most formal and commercial term for the processed, ready-to-use edible bird's nest product.
  • Yến sào được xem là một loại thực phẩm cao cấp. (Bird's nest is considered a premium food product.)
• Chim yến (n): A general term for "swiftlet," which can refer to various species, not exclusively the .
  • Nhà tôi gần một hang chim yến. (My house is near a swiftlet cave.)

Synonyms

• Chim yến (n): swiftlet (a more general term for the bird).
• Tổ yến (n): (edible) bird's nest (the more common term for the nest as an item).

Notes on Meaning

The word hải yến specifically highlights the bird's coastal/marine environment (hải = sea). It distinguishes this particular swiftlet from other species that may nest inland. In everyday language, when talking about the edible nest, tổ yến or yến sào are more frequently used. Hải yến is often found in more formal, zoological, or trade-specific contexts.

noun

1. salangane