Translation guide
The English verb "weave" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the literal action of making fabric, the figurative sense of creating a story or plan, the motion of moving through obstacles, and a few other uses.
To form cloth or a fabric by interlacing threads or yarn on a loom or by hand.
The standard verb for weaving fabric. Used for making cloth, carpets, baskets, etc.
She is weaving cloth on a loom.
Usually means 'to knit' or 'to braid', but can be used for weaving with flexible materials like yarn or straw, especially when done by hand without a loom.
Not used for weaving on a loom; use 織る for that.
My grandmother is weaving a basket.
To combine various elements into a coherent narrative, argument, or plan.
Literally 'weave and mix', used figuratively to mean interweaving elements like facts, stories, or emotions into a narrative.
He wrote a novel weaving together fact and fiction.
Literally 'to spin' (thread), but often used poetically for creating stories, memories, or bonds. Implies a careful, continuous process.
Means 'to construct a story'. A more analytical way to express weaving a narrative.
To move in a winding or zigzag course, especially to avoid things.
Literally 'to advance as if sewing', this phrase describes moving through a crowd or traffic by weaving in and out.
He weaved his way through the crowd.
Means 'to proceed in a zigzag'. Used for physical movement like a car weaving through traffic.
The car was weaving (zigzagging).
Means 'to meander' or 'to snake'. Often used for rivers or roads, but can describe a person's weaving path.
To create or cast a spell, often in a fantasy context.
The verb 織る is almost exclusively for weaving fabric or similar materials on a loom. Using it for weaving through traffic or weaving a story will sound very strange. Use the alternatives provided.
織る (oru) is for weaving on a loom with warp and weft. 編む (amu) is for knitting, crocheting, braiding, or plaiting. For baskets, 編む is common because they are often made by plaiting, not on a loom.
She wove a beautiful tapestry.
He weaved through the traffic on his bike.
彼女は美しい物語を紡いだ。
She wove a beautiful tale.
He skillfully wove a complex story.
The drunk was walking, weaving back and forth.
She wove an ancient spell.