Translation guide
Lint refers to small fibers or fluff that accumulate on fabric, in pockets, or in filters. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese.
Small fibers or fluff that collect on clothing, especially after washing or drying.
The most common and general term for lint, especially the kind that comes off fabric. Literally 'thread scraps'.
The lint that collects in a dryer filter or is removed from laundry.
Specifies lint from a dryer. Use '乾燥機' (dryer) + '糸くず'.
乾燥機の糸くずフィルターを掃除してください。
Please clean the lint filter in the dryer.
Small bits of fluff that accumulate in pockets or the navel.
Lint found in pockets. Simply combine 'ポケット' (pocket) + '糸くず'.
ポケットの中に糸くずがたまっていた。
Lint had accumulated in my pocket.
糸くず is the best general term for lint from fabric. 綿ぼこり is fluffier, dust-like lint that floats or gathers in corners. 毛玉 specifically means pills or fuzz balls on fabric, not loose lint.
糸くずが服につく。
Lint sticks to clothes.
綿ぼこりが空気中を舞っている。
Fluff is floating in the air.
毛玉を取るブラシ。
A brush for removing pills.
服に糸くずがついている。
There's lint on my clothes.
洗濯したら糸くずがいっぱい出た。
A lot of lint came out after washing.
Refers to fluffy dust or lint, often the kind that accumulates in corners or on surfaces. Literally 'cotton dust'.
部屋の隅に綿ぼこりがたまっている。
Fluff has accumulated in the corner of the room.
Specifically refers to pills or fuzz balls that form on fabric from friction, not loose lint. Use only when talking about pilling.
このセーター、毛玉ができやすい。
This sweater pills easily.
Lint that comes out during laundry, not necessarily from a dryer. More general.
洗濯で出た糸くずを取る。
Remove the lint from the laundry.
Specifically belly button lint. Literally 'navel sesame'. Colloquial and humorous.
へそのごまがたまる。
Belly button lint accumulates.