Translation guide
In Japanese, 'knitted fabric' is most commonly expressed as ニット (nitto), a loanword from English, or 編み地 (amiji). The choice depends on context: ニット is used in fashion and everyday speech, while 編み地 is more technical. This guide covers the main ways to refer to knitted fabric, from general terms to specific types.
The learner wants to refer to knitted fabric in general, such as in clothing or crafting contexts.
The most common and versatile term for knitted fabric, used in fashion, retail, and everyday conversation. It can refer to both the fabric and garments made from it.
このセーターは柔らかいニットでできています。
This sweater is made of soft knitted fabric.
ニット素材の帽子を買いました。
I bought a hat made of knitted material.
A more technical term for knitted fabric, often used in crafting, sewing, or textile descriptions. It specifically refers to the texture or structure of the knit.
この編み地は伸縮性があります。
This knitted fabric has elasticity.
An older term for knitted fabric, originally from Spanish/Portuguese. Now mostly used in specific contexts like 'メリヤス編み' (stockinette stitch) or historical references. Not common in modern everyday speech.
メリヤス編みのマフラーを編みました。
I knitted a scarf in stockinette stitch.
The learner wants to refer to a particular kind of knit, such as jersey, rib knit, or cable knit.
Refers to jersey knit fabric, commonly used for T-shirts and casual wear. Often called 'ジャージー素材' or simply 'ジャージー'.
このTシャツはジャージー素材です。
This T-shirt is made of jersey fabric.
Rib knit fabric, characterized by vertical ribs. Commonly used for cuffs, collars, and form-fitting garments.
リブニットの袖口が伸びてしまった。
The rib knit cuffs have stretched out.
Cable knit pattern, often seen in sweaters. Refers to the specific knitting technique rather than the fabric itself, but can be used to describe the fabric's appearance.
ケーブル編みのセーターが欲しい。
I want a cable knit sweater.
The learner is talking about buying or using knitted fabric for sewing or DIY projects.
Specifically refers to knitted fabric sold by the meter/yard for sewing. '生地' means fabric or cloth. This is the standard term in fabric stores.
ニット生地を買って、ワンピースを作ります。
I'll buy some knitted fabric and make a dress.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'cloth of knitted texture'. Less common than ニット生地 but understandable.
編み地の布を使ってクッションカバーを縫いました。
I sewed a cushion cover using knitted fabric.
The phrase '編まれた布' (amareta nuno) is a literal translation of 'knitted fabric' but sounds unnatural. Use ニット or 編み地 instead.
ニット is the everyday word for knitted items and fabric, while 編み地 is more technical and focuses on the knit structure. In a clothing store, say ニット; in a sewing pattern, you might see 編み地.