Translation guide
In Japanese, 'cotton thread' is most commonly expressed as 木綿糸 (もめんいと) or simply 綿糸 (めんし). The choice depends on context, such as sewing, weaving, or crafts. This guide covers the main terms and related expressions.
cotton thread (general)
cotton thread (textile/weaving)
The most common way to refer to cotton thread used in sewing, embroidery, or general crafts.
The standard term for cotton thread. 木綿 (もめん) means cotton, and 糸 (いと) means thread. Widely understood and used in everyday contexts.
This cotton thread is perfect for hand sewing.
I sewed on a button with cotton thread.
A shorter, slightly more technical term for cotton thread. Often used in textile or industrial contexts, but also common in crafts.
A loanword from English, often used in craft stores or when emphasizing the material as 'cotton' rather than synthetic. Common in knitting and crochet contexts.
When referring to cotton thread used in weaving, fabric production, or textile arts.
In textile and weaving contexts, 綿糸 (めんし) is the standard term. It can refer to cotton yarn or thread used in looms.
This fabric is woven with fine cotton thread.
Also used in weaving, but slightly more everyday. 木綿糸 can be used for both sewing and weaving.
When the 'thread' is thicker, like yarn used for knitting or crochet, often called 'cotton yarn' in English.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'cotton thread/yarn'. 綿 (わた) is cotton, and の糸 (のいと) means 'thread of'. This is flexible and can refer to any thickness.
I'll knit a summer sweater with this cotton yarn.
As above, but especially common in knitting/crochet circles. Often used for yarn as well as thread.
木綿糸 (もめんいと) is the most common everyday term. 綿糸 (めんし) is slightly more technical and often used in textile industries. コットン糸 is a loanword popular in crafts, knitting, and when emphasizing the material as cotton. All three can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but 木綿糸 is the safest choice for general use.
To specify the thickness of cotton thread, you can add adjectives like 細い (ほそい, thin) or 太い (ふとい, thick) before the word, e.g., 細い木綿糸 (thin cotton thread). For knitting yarn, you might hear 並太 (なみぶと, medium weight) or 極太 (ごくぶと, super bulky).
綿糸は染色がしやすいです。
Cotton thread is easy to dye.
Towels knitted with cotton thread feel nice on the skin.
木綿糸で織った布は通気性が良いです。
Cloth woven with cotton thread is breathable.
Cotton yarn has little stretch, so you need to be careful with your knitting technique.