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.
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.
このマフラーは紬糸で編まれています。
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.
紡績絹糸は光沢が柔らかいです。
Spun silk yarn has a soft luster.
Another technical term, similar to 紡績絹糸 but with reversed character order. Less common.
この生地は絹紡績糸を使用しています。
This fabric uses spun silk yarn.
Fabric woven from spun silk yarn, often with a textured, slubby appearance.
Refers to pongee, a type of fabric woven from hand-spun silk yarn. Often used for traditional garments like kimono.
彼女は紬の着物を着ています。
She is wearing a pongee kimono.
Literally 'pongee woven fabric', a more explicit term for spun silk fabric.
この紬織物は手触りが良いです。
This spun silk fabric feels nice to the touch.
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.
紬の糸で織られた布は温かみがあります。
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.