Translation guide
The English word "hem" can refer to the folded and sewn edge of fabric, or to the act of creating that edge. It can also be a verb meaning to enclose or surround. This guide covers the most common ways to express these ideas in Japanese.
Referring to the finished edge of a piece of clothing or cloth, where the fabric is folded over and sewn down.
General word for the hem of a garment, especially the lower edge of a skirt, coat, or pants. Also used for the foot of a mountain.
The action of folding and stitching the edge of fabric to create a finished hem.
Literally 'to sew the hem'. The most direct and natural way to express the action of hemming a garment.
母が私のズボンの裾を縫ってくれた。
My mother hemmed my pants for me.
The verb 'hem' meaning to surround or enclose something, often used in the phrase 'hem in'.
The English phrase 'hem in' does not have a direct Japanese equivalent using the word for hem (裾). Instead, use verbs like 取り囲む or 包囲する to express the idea of surrounding or enclosing.
The hem of my skirt has come undone.
裾を直してもらえますか？
Can you fix the hem?
Loanword from English, used in fashion contexts. Often seen in compound words like ヘムライン (hemline).
このドレスのヘムラインは美しい。
The hemline of this dress is beautiful.
Refers to the edge or rim of something, including the hem of fabric, but is more general and less common for clothing specifically.
布の縁を縫う。
Sew the edge of the cloth.
Hemming is surprisingly difficult.
Specifically refers to shortening a hem, often used for pants or skirts. Very common in tailoring contexts.
このズボンの裾上げをお願いします。
Please hem these pants (shorten them).
A specific sewing term for blind stitching a hem so the stitches are invisible from the outside. Used in sewing instructions.
裾をまつる。
To blind-stitch a hem.
Means to surround or encircle. Can be used for physical surroundings or metaphorical situations.
敵に取り囲まれた。
We were hemmed in by the enemy.
高いビルに取り囲まれた公園。
A park hemmed in by tall buildings.
Stronger word for surrounding, often used in military or strategic contexts. Implies a deliberate encirclement.
警察が建物を包囲した。
The police hemmed in the building.
Means to confine or shut in. Used when someone or something is trapped and unable to leave.
狭い部屋に閉じ込められた気分だ。
I feel hemmed in by this small room.