Translation guide
A woman who sews, especially as a profession. In Japanese, the most common term is お針子, but other words exist depending on context, formality, and whether it's a traditional or modern role.
Referring to a woman whose job is sewing garments, often in a workshop or at home.
The most common and neutral term for a female seamstress. The prefix お adds politeness.
彼女はお針子として働いています。
She works as a seamstress.
Same as お針子 but without the polite prefix. Slightly more casual or used in compounds.
針子の経験があります。
I have experience as a seamstress.
A more technical term for a sewing worker, often used in factory settings. Gender-neutral but can apply to women.
縫製工として縫製工場で働く。
Work as a sewing worker in a garment factory.
Referring to a seamstress in a historical or traditional Japanese context, such as making kimono.
A specialist in traditional Japanese sewing (kimono making). Often a certified professional.
和裁士の資格を取る。
Get a qualification as a traditional Japanese seamstress.
Literally 'tailor shop', but can refer to a seamstress or tailor who makes traditional clothing. Often used for both men and women.
仕立屋に着物を注文する。
Order a kimono from a seamstress/tailor.
A seamstress specializing in making Western-style dresses or women's clothing.
Loanword from English, specifically for a dressmaker. Commonly understood.
彼女は有名なドレスメーカーです。
She is a famous dressmaker.
A seamstress specializing in Western-style sewing, as opposed to 和裁士. Often implies professional training.
A woman who sews as a hobby or for her family, not necessarily professionally.
Literally 'a person good at sewing'. A natural way to describe someone who sews well, without implying profession.
母は裁縫が得意な人で、よく服を作ってくれます。
My mother is good at sewing and often makes clothes for me.
Refers to someone who enjoys handicrafts, including sewing. Broader than just sewing.
彼女は手芸が好きな人で、週末はよくミシンを使っています。
She is a crafty person and often uses the sewing machine on weekends.
お針子 is the most direct equivalent for a female seamstress, often in a small shop or at home. 仕立屋 can be a tailor or dressmaker, and is not gender-specific. 縫製工 is a factory sewing worker, gender-neutral and more industrial.
If gender is not important, consider using 縫製工 (factory worker) or 仕立屋 (tailor/dressmaker). For a male seamstress, 仕立屋 or 縫製工 are more appropriate.
洋裁師になるために学校に通う。
Attend school to become a Western-style seamstress.