Discover the world of fabric names in Japanese, unveiling the rich tapestry of words that define the textiles of Japan.
Importance of Fabric Names in Japanese
Cultural Significance
Unearth the cultural relevance of fabric names and their role in traditional Japanese attire.
Linguistic Artistry
Explore the intricate meanings and sounds woven into the names of Japanese textiles.
What Are the Fabric Names in Japanese
Delve into the exquisite universe of Japanese fabric names. Here are four categories of fabrics, each with 15 unique names:
Silk Fabrics (絹地)
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chirimen | 縮緬 | Chee-ree-men | Crepe |
| Ro | 絽 | Roh | Thin Silk Gauze |
| Kinsha | 金紗 | Keen-shah | Gold Silk Gauze |
| Habutae | 平絹 | Hah-boo-tah-eh | Smooth Silk |
| Hosomi | 細身 | Hoh-soh-mee | Fine Silk |
| Oshima Tsumugi | 大島紬 | Oh-shee-mah Tsoo-moo-gee | Oshima Silk |
| Yūzen | 友禅 | Yoo-zen | Yūzen Dyeing |
| Shibori | 絞り | Shee-boh-ree | Tie-Dye |
| Yūzen Chirimen | 友禅縮緬 | Yoo-zen Chee-ree-men | Yūzen Crepe |
| Miyako | 都 | Mee-yah-koh | Kyoto |
| Ojiya Chijimi | 尾花地締 | Oh-jee-yah Chee-jee-mee | Ojiya Weave |
| Yuki Tsumugi | 雪紬 | Yoo-kee Tsoo-moo-gee | Yuki Silk |
| Kasuri | 絣 | Kah-soo-ree | Kasuri Weaving |
| Yūki Tsumugi | 結城紬 | Yoo-kee Tsoo-moo-gee | Yūki Silk |
| Echigo Jōfu | 越後上布 | Eh-chee-goh Joh-foo | Echigo Jofu |
Cotton Fabrics (綿地)
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Momiji Chijimi | 紅葉縮 | Moh-mee-jee Chee-jee-mee | Maple Leaf Crepe |
| Yokohama Ginsha | 横浜銀紗 | Yoh-koh-hah-mah Geen-shah | Yokohama Silver Gauze |
| Yukata | 浴衣 | Yoo-kah-tah | Summer Kimono |
| Komon | 小紋 | Koh-mohn | Small Patterns |
| Iromuji | 色無地 | Ee-roh-moo-jee | Plain Colored Kimono |
| Sarasa | 更紗 | Sah-rah-sah | Chintz |
| Rinzu | 綸子 | Reen-zoo | Figured Silk |
| Yosegi Komon | 寄木小紋 | Yoh-seh-gee Koh-mohn | Parquetry Pattern |
| Kasuri | 絣 | Kah-soo-ree | Kasuri Weaving |
| Awase | 袷 | Ah-wah-seh | Lined Kimono |
| Tsumugi | 紬 | Tsoo-moo-gee | Hemp Silk |
| Karamiori | 絡織 | Kah-rah-mee-oh-ree | Twill Weave |
| Kasuri | 絣 | Kah-soo-ree | Kasuri Weaving |
| Asa | 麻 | Ah-sah | Hemp |
| Saori | さおり | Sah-oh-ree | Saori Weaving |
Synthetic Fabrics (合成繊維)
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puramu | プラム | Poo-rah-moo | Plum |
| Raion | ライオン | Lah-ee-ohn | Lion |
| Toratsuki | トラツキ | Toh-rah-tsoo-kee | Tiger Stripe |
| Bādo | バード | Bah-doh | Bird |
| Rippa | リッパ | Reep-pah | Ripper |
| Hokō | ホコウ | Hoh-koh | Phoenix |
| Sutairu | スタイル | Stah-eel | Style |
| Bājubondo | バージュボンド | Bah-joo-bohn-doh | Bargain Bond |
| Miritarirūzu | ミリタリールーズ | Mee-ree-tah-ree-roozu | Military Loose |
| Basukettobōru | バスケットボール | Bahs-ket-toh-boh-roo | Basketball |
| Tenisu | テニス | Teh-nee-soo | Tennis |
| Futtobōru | フットボール | Fuh-toh-boh-roo | Football |
| Baiku | バイク | Bah-ee-koo | Bike |
| Konpyūtā | コンピューター | Kohn-pyoo-tah | Computer |
| Terorijisuto | テロリスト | Teh-roh-ree-jee-soo-to | Terrorist |
Traditional Fabrics (伝統織物)
| Name | Kanji Text | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obi | 帯 | Oh-bee | Sash |
| Nagajuban | 長襦袢 | Nah-gah-joo-bahn | Inner Kimono |
| Hakama | 袴 | Hah-kah-mah | Divided Skirt |
| Nuihaku | 縫羽衣 | Noo-ee-hah-koo | Embroidered Kimono |
| Uchikake | 打掛 | Oo-chee-kah-keh | Wedding Kimono |
| Nishiki | 錦 | Nee-shee-kee | Brocade |
| Yūzen | 友禅 | Yoo-zen | Yūzen Dyeing |
| Kasuri | 絣 | Kah-soo-ree | Kasuri Weaving |
| Tsumugi | 紬 | Tsoo-moo-gee | Hemp Silk |
| Rinzu | 綸子 | Reen-zoo | Figured Silk |
| Kimonoko | 着物子 | Kee-moh-noh-koh | Kimono Child |
| Noshime | 熨斗目 | Noh-shee-meh | Noshime Pattern |
| Kinran | 金襴 | Keen-rahn | Gold Brocade |
| Yosegi Komon | 寄木小紋 | Yoh-seh-gee Koh-mohn | Parquetry Pattern |
The Significance of Choosing Fabric Names in Japanese
How a name can shape a person’s identity and personality:
Just as names hold power, the names of these fabrics evoke specific emotions and stories.
The psychological and cultural factors at play when naming:
Dive into the psychological impact these names can have on individuals and their roles in Japanese culture and fashion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fabric names reflect the country’s rich history, traditions, and artistic sensibilities.
They often derive from the texture, pattern, or cultural associations of the fabric.
Absolutely, fabric names play a crucial role in selecting attire for various occasions.
Yes, many traditional fabric names remain relevant in contemporary fashion
Conclusion
Japanese fabric names are more than mere words; they are threads of culture and identity intricately woven into the nation’s fashion heritage. As we conclude our exploration, it’s evident that these names carry stories and traditions that endure through generations, shaping the way people dress and express themselves.