Translation guide
The English word 'hemming' can refer to the sewing action of folding and stitching a fabric edge, or to the sound of hesitation (as in 'hemming and hawing'). This guide covers both meanings.
To describe the action of creating a hem on clothing or fabric.
This is the most common way to say 'to hem' (specifically the bottom edge of a garment). まつる means to sew a hem using a blind stitch.
スカートの裾をまつるのに時間がかかった。
It took a long time to hem the skirt.
Literally 'to do a hem raise'. This is the standard term for shortening a garment by hemming, often used in alteration shops.
To describe the act of pausing or hesitating in speech, often with filler sounds.
このズボンの裾上げをしてもらえますか？
Can you hem these pants for me?
The verb for blind-stitching a hem. Can be used for any edge, not just the bottom.
ハンカチの端をまつった。
I hemmed the edge of the handkerchief.
Refers to edging or bordering, often decorative. Not specifically a blind hem, but can be used for hemming as a finishing technique.
ワンピースの襟に縁取りを施した。
I added hemming to the collar of the dress.
Means to speak evasively or beat around the bush. It captures the hesitation and lack of clarity of 'hemming and hawing'.
彼は質問に答えず、言葉を濁した。
He hemmed and hawed instead of answering the question.
Literally 'to take an un-boiled attitude', meaning to be indecisive or noncommittal. Similar to hemming and hawing.
彼女は煮え切らない態度を取って、返事をしなかった。
She hemmed and hawed and didn't give an answer.
In Japanese, hesitation is often expressed with filler words like ええと (eeto) or あのう (anou), which are equivalent to 'um' or 'er'. This is the direct equivalent of the 'hem' sound.
ええと、それはちょっと難しい質問ですね。
Um, that's a bit of a difficult question.