Translation guide
This English idiom has both literal and figurative meanings. In Japanese, the literal sense is expressed with specific verbs for birds or insects opening their wings. The figurative sense of becoming independent or trying new things is conveyed through idiomatic phrases about leaving the nest or spreading wings, as well as more general expressions for independence.
Describing a bird, insect, or other winged creature physically extending its wings.
The most direct and common way to say 'spread one's wings' for birds or insects. Neutral and widely understood.
鳥が羽を広げて飛び立った。
The bird spread its wings and took off.
Similar to 羽を広げる, but 翼 (つばさ) often implies larger, more majestic wings, like those of an eagle or angel. Slightly more literary or poetic.
Expressing the idea of leaving a familiar environment to gain new experiences, often used when someone moves out, starts a new job, or travels.
Both are bird metaphors for independence, but 巣立つ focuses on the act of leaving the nest (the starting point of independence), while 羽ばたく emphasizes actively flourishing and achieving in the wider world. Use 巣立つ for the moment of departure, and 羽ばたく for ongoing success.
子供たちが無事に巣立ってくれて嬉しい。
I'm happy that my children have successfully left the nest.
彼女は新しい職場で羽ばたいている。
She is spreading her wings and thriving in her new workplace.
Avoid directly translating 'spread one's wings' as 翼を広げる in figurative contexts. While it can be understood, it sounds unnatural and overly literal. Use 巣立つ or 羽ばたく instead.
そろそろ巣立って世界を見てくる時だよ。
It's time for you to spread your wings and see the world.
卒業後、彼女は羽ばたいてニューヨークへ引っ越した。
After graduation, she spread her wings and moved to New York.
ワシが翼を広げて空を舞っている。
The eagle is soaring with its wings spread.
Specifically for insect wings. Uses the kanji 翅 (はね) which refers to insect wings. Technical or entomological context.
チョウが翅を広げて花にとまった。
The butterfly spread its wings and landed on the flower.
Literally 'to leave the nest'. This is the most natural and common figurative equivalent. It implies growing up and becoming independent, much like a bird leaving its nest. Often used for children leaving home or graduates starting their careers.
息子が大学進学のために巣立っていった。
My son left the nest to go to college.
彼女は新しい仕事に就くために東京へ巣立った。
She spread her wings and moved to Tokyo for a new job.
Literally 'to flap one's wings'. Figuratively, it means to take on the world, to make one's mark, or to be active in a wider sphere. It carries a nuance of striving and achieving.
彼は世界を舞台に羽ばたくことを夢見ている。
He dreams of spreading his wings on the world stage.
Means 'to become independent'. A more direct and general term for independence, not specifically tied to the bird metaphor. Suitable for business or personal independence.
彼は会社を辞めて独立した。
He quit his job and struck out on his own (spread his wings).
Literally 'to leave one's parents' home'. A common way to describe moving out and becoming independent, often used for young adults.
彼女は20歳で親元を離れた。
She spread her wings and left her parents' home at 20.