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.
祖母はかごを編んでいる。
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.
彼は事実とフィクションを織り交ぜて小説を書いた。
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.
彼は複雑な話を巧みに組み立てた。
He skillfully wove a complex story.
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.
彼は人混みを縫うように進んだ。
He weaved his way through the crowd.
Means 'to proceed in a zigzag'. Used for physical movement like a car weaving through traffic.
車がジグザグに進んでいた。
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.
酔っ払いが蛇行しながら歩いていた。
The drunk was walking, weaving back and forth.
To create or cast a spell, often in a fantasy context.
The most common way to say 'cast a spell'. Not literally 'weave', but the natural equivalent.
魔女は魔法をかけた。
The witch wove a spell.
Literally 'to spin a spell', used in fantasy or poetic contexts. Emphasizes the careful crafting of the incantation.
彼女は古代の呪文を紡いだ。
She wove an ancient spell.
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.
彼女は美しいタペストリーを織った。
She wove a beautiful tapestry.
彼は自転車で車の間を縫うように進んだ。
He weaved through the traffic on his bike.
She wove a beautiful tale.