Translation guide
In Japanese, 'synthetic fiber' is most commonly expressed as 合成繊維 (gōsei sen'i). This is the standard technical and everyday term. Other related terms exist for specific contexts, such as 化学繊維 (kagaku sen'i) for 'chemical fiber' (a broader category) or 人造繊維 (jinzō sen'i) for 'artificial fiber' (often used for regenerated fibers like rayon). For general use, 合成繊維 is recommended.
The most common and direct translation for 'synthetic fiber', referring to fibers made from synthesized polymers (e.g., polyester, nylon).
合成繊維 (gōsei sen'i) specifically refers to fibers made from synthesized polymers (e.g., polyester, nylon, acrylic). 化学繊維 (kagaku sen'i) is a broader category that includes both synthetic fibers and regenerated fibers (e.g., rayon, acetate). 人造繊維 (jinzō sen'i) is often used for man-made fibers derived from natural materials, but can sometimes be used as a synonym for 化学繊維. In everyday conversation, 合成繊維 is the safest choice for 'synthetic fiber'.
Synthetic fibers are often cheaper than natural fibers.
Types of chemical fibers include polyester and nylon.
Literally 'artificial fiber'. Often refers to regenerated fibers (e.g., rayon, acetate) made from natural materials through chemical processing. Less common for fully synthetic fibers.
Rayon is a type of artificial fiber.
Synthetic fibers are made from petroleum.
Chemical fibers include synthetic fibers and regenerated fibers.