Translation guide
The soft hair from sheep and similar animals, used to make cloth and yarn. In Japanese, the most common word is ウール, but other terms exist for specific contexts.
Referring to the textile material made from sheep's wool, used in clothing, blankets, etc.
The most common and general term for wool as a material. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
このセーターはウール100%です。
This sweater is 100% wool.
ウールのコートを買いました。
I bought a wool coat.
Literally 'sheep hair'. Often used in technical or descriptive contexts, such as on clothing labels or in discussions about fiber content.
羊毛は保温性に優れています。
Wool has excellent heat retention.
Refers to woolen fabric or textiles. More specific to woven wool cloth.
この毛織物はとても柔らかい。
This woolen fabric is very soft.
Referring to the fleece or raw wool sheared from sheep.
Used for raw wool, especially in agricultural or industrial contexts.
羊から羊毛を刈り取る。
Shear wool from sheep.
Can also refer to raw wool, but less specific than 羊毛.
Referring to wool yarn used for knitting or weaving.
Specifically wool yarn. Commonly used in crafts and knitting.
毛糸でマフラーを編む。
Knit a scarf with wool yarn.
この毛糸はとても肌触りがいい。
This wool yarn feels very nice to the touch.
A more general phrase meaning 'wool thread'. Can be used when the context is clear.
ウールの糸でセーターを編みました。
I knitted a sweater with wool yarn.
Referring to wool-like fibers from goats, alpacas, etc.
A technical term for animal hair fibers used in textiles, including wool from various animals.
カシミヤはヤギの獣毛から作られます。
Cashmere is made from goat hair.
In everyday language, specify the animal: アルパカの毛 (alpaca wool), ヤギの毛 (goat hair/wool), etc.
アルパカの毛はとても暖かい。
Alpaca wool is very warm.
ウール is the most common and versatile term for wool as a material. 羊毛 specifically refers to sheep's wool, often in raw or technical contexts. 毛糸 means wool yarn, used for knitting. Use ウール for general references to wool fabric or garments, 羊毛 when emphasizing the sheep origin, and 毛糸 for yarn.
The raw material for wool is sheep's hair.