Translation guide
The English word 'stitch' can refer to a single loop of thread in sewing, a medical suture, a knitting action, or a sudden pain in the side. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
To refer to a single stitch in sewing or embroidery, or the act of making such stitches.
General term for a stitch or seam in sewing. Refers to the line or individual unit of stitching.
この縫い目がほつれてきた。
This stitch has come undone.
Literally 'one needle', used to count individual stitches. Often used when giving instructions or describing actions.
ここに一針縫ってください。
Please put a stitch here.
Loanword from English, used in fashion or craft contexts, often for decorative stitching.
このバッグはステッチがきれいだね。
The stitching on this bag is nice.
To refer to stitches used to close a wound.
Medical term for suturing. Used as a noun or with する to mean 'to stitch up'.
傷口を縫合してもらった。
I got stitches for the wound.
Common verb 'to sew', also used for medical stitching in everyday speech.
医者に傷を縫ってもらった。
The doctor stitched up my wound.
Specifically means 'to remove stitches'. Useful for follow-up medical visits.
来週抜糸します。
I'll remove the stitches next week.
To refer to a single loop in knitting.
A stitch in knitting or crochet. Can refer to the individual loop or the pattern.
編み目を落としてしまった。
I dropped a stitch.
Counter for stitches in knitting. Literally 'one eye', used in patterns.
To refer to a sharp pain in the side, often while running.
Common expression for side stitch pain. Literally 'side of stomach hurts'.
走っていたらわき腹が痛くなった。
I got a stitch while running.
Medical term for side stitch, literally 'side abdominal pain'. Rarely used in conversation.
横腹痛の原因は呼吸法にあると言われる。
It is said that the cause of a side stitch lies in breathing technique.
To express the action of joining fabric with stitches.
General verb for sewing. Can be used for hand or machine sewing.
ボタンを縫い付ける。
To stitch on a button.
To express completing a seam or closing a wound with stitches.
To stitch shut. Used for both sewing and medical contexts.
傷口を縫い閉じた。
I stitched up the wound.
To finish sewing something. Implies completion of a sewing project.
スカートを縫い上げた。
I stitched up the skirt.
The English 'stitch' for side pain does not translate directly to 縫い目 or ステッチ. Use わき腹が痛い or describe the pain naturally.
走るとわき腹が痛くなる。
I get a stitch when I run.
縫う is the everyday verb for sewing, including medical stitching in casual speech. 縫合 is the formal medical term for suturing, used by professionals or in written instructions.
Knit one stitch.
To sew pieces together. Emphasizes joining two or more parts.
布を縫い合わせて袋を作る。
Stitch the fabric together to make a bag.