Translation guide
Refers to silk yarn made by spinning short silk fibers (waste silk) rather than reeling continuous filaments. In Japanese, the most common term is 紬糸 (tsumugi ito), but other terms exist depending on context.
spun silk (yarn)
spun silk (fabric)
The most common way to refer to spun silk yarn, typically made from short silk fibers or waste silk.
The standard term for spun silk yarn. 紬 (tsumugi) refers to pongee or hand-spun silk, and 糸 (ito) means thread or yarn.
This scarf is knitted with spun silk yarn.
A more technical term for spun silk yarn, literally 'spun silk thread'. Used in textile industry contexts.
Spun silk yarn has a soft luster.
Another technical term, similar to 紡績絹糸 but with reversed character order. Less common.
This fabric uses spun silk yarn.
Fabric woven from spun silk yarn, often with a textured, slubby appearance.
When referring to the material itself, often in craft or textile contexts.
Means 'pongee thread' and is a natural way to say 'spun silk' when emphasizing the material.
Fabric woven with spun silk thread has warmth.
In everyday conversation, 紬糸 (tsumugi ito) is the safest choice for 'spun silk yarn'. If you're talking about the fabric, use 紬 (tsumugi). Technical terms like 紡績絹糸 are mainly used in industry.
This spun silk fabric feels nice to the touch.