Translation guide
The process of twisting silk fibers into thread or yarn. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific terms depending on the method and context.
The overall process of making silk thread from cocoons or raw silk.
General term for silk reeling and spinning; used in industrial contexts.
I work at a silk spinning factory.
Specifically refers to spinning silk waste into yarn, often used in textile industry.
Silk spinning uses short silk fibers.
Traditional or manual spinning of silk using a spinning wheel or drop spindle.
General phrase for spinning thread; can be used for silk when context is clear.
My grandmother is good at spinning silk thread.
Hand-spinning; often used for traditional crafts.
The initial process of unwinding silk filaments from cocoons, often confused with spinning.
Silk reeling; technically distinct from spinning but often included in the broader concept.
The work of reeling raw silk from cocoons is called silk reeling.
製糸 (seishi) is the broader term for silk manufacturing including reeling and spinning, while 絹紡績 (kenbōseki) specifically refers to spinning silk waste or short fibers into yarn.
In casual conversation, 糸を紡ぐ (ito o tsumugu) is sufficient if the material is already known to be silk. For technical or industrial contexts, use 製糸 or 絹紡績.
Hand-spun silk thread has a different texture.