Translation guide
Yarn made by twisting short fibers together, as opposed to filament yarn. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with specific terms depending on context, such as 紡績糸 (bōsekishi) in textile contexts, or more generally as 紡いだ糸 (tsumuida ito).
Referring to yarn produced by spinning staple fibers, in technical or manufacturing settings.
The standard technical term for spun yarn in textile industry. Used in manufacturing, quality control, and product specifications.
この生地は紡績糸で織られています。
This fabric is woven with spun yarn.
Literally 'spun thread', a more descriptive phrase that can be used in general or craft contexts. Less technical than 紡績糸.
手で紡いだ糸を使ってマフラーを編みました。
I knitted a scarf using hand-spun yarn.
Talking about yarn for knitting, crocheting, or weaving, especially when emphasizing the spinning process.
Specifically refers to spun wool yarn. 毛糸 (keito) means wool yarn, and adding 紡いだ clarifies it is spun.
祖母が紡いだ毛糸でセーターを編んでくれた。
My grandmother knitted me a sweater with the wool yarn she spun.
Hand-spun yarn. Emphasizes the handmade aspect. Common in craft circles.
手紡ぎの糸は太さが不均一で味わいがあります。
Hand-spun yarn has an uneven thickness that gives it character.
Describing the action or result of spinning fibers into yarn, without technical jargon.
The most straightforward way to say 'spun yarn' in everyday language. Can refer to any fiber.
彼女は綿を紡いで糸にした。
She spun cotton into yarn.
The phrase 'spun yarn' cannot be directly translated as スパンヤーン (supan yān) in Japanese; that is not a standard term. Use 紡績糸 or 紡いだ糸 instead.