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"Nido" is a noun which is often translated as "nest", and "colmena" is a noun which is often translated as "beehive". Learn more about the difference between "nido" and "colmena" below.
el nido(
nee
-
doh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
2. (lair)
a. den
La banda de rateros tenían su nido en un teatro abandonado.The band of pickpockets had its nest in an abandoned theater.
4. (figurative) (breeding ground)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. nest
Algunos consideran que la bolsa de valores es un nido de corrupción.Some consider the stock market to be a nest of corruption.
5. (figurative) (home)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. nest
Ahora que los hijos han dejado el nido, vamos a vender la casa e irnos de viaje.Now that the kids have flown the nest, we're going to sell the house and go traveling.
la colmena(
kohl
-
meh
-
nah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
3. (figurative) (crowded building)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. warren
Solo nos alcanzó para vivir en esta colmena con cientos de otras familias.We could only afford to live in this warren with hundreds of other families.