Translation guide
The English word "fiber" covers several distinct concepts: dietary fiber (food), textile fibers (materials), and abstract "moral fiber" (character). Japanese uses different words for each, and direct translation is often unnatural.
Referring to the indigestible part of plant foods that aids digestion.
The standard term for dietary fiber. Used in nutrition contexts, on food labels, and in everyday conversation about health.
Let's eat foods rich in dietary fiber.
This bread is high in fiber.
Short for 食物繊維, often used in casual conversation or product names. Can be ambiguous without context, as it also means 'textile fiber'.
Without context, 繊維 alone may be interpreted as textile fiber. Use 食物繊維 for clarity.
Lately, I might not be getting enough fiber.
Referring to a thread or filament from which textiles are made, such as cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.
The general term for fiber as a material. Used in contexts like clothing, industry, and science.
This cloth is made of natural fibers.
Synthetic fibers are quick-drying.
Referring to a person's inner strength, integrity, or ethical resolve.
Refers to moral backbone, fortitude, or strength of character. Often used in phrases like 気骨のある (having moral fiber).
He is a person of moral fiber.
Literally 'mental strength' or 'willpower'. Can be used to describe moral fiber in the sense of resilience and determination.
Means 'sense of ethics' or 'moral values'. More about ethical judgment than inner strength.
Referring to the thin glass or plastic strands used to transmit data as light signals.
The loanword ファイバー is sometimes used in product names (e.g., ファイバードリンク), but it is not the standard term. Stick to 食物繊維 in general conversation.
Let's get some fiber.
繊維 alone can mean textile fiber or dietary fiber depending on context. To avoid confusion, use 食物繊維 for dietary fiber and 繊維 for textile fiber when the topic is not clear.
I admire her moral fiber.
彼は強い倫理観を持っている。
He has strong moral fiber.
Literally 'optical cable'. Refers to the physical cable containing optical fibers.
Construction to lay fiber optic cables has begun.