Refers to a decorative pattern or design, often on fabric or surfaces. Usually written in kana.
That was just a figure of speech; I didn't mean it seriously.
The kimono has a figured pattern.
twill weave; diagonal stripe pattern
Only when written 綾
Specific textile term for a twill weave or diagonal stripe pattern. The kanji 綾 is used for this sense.
This fabric is a twill weave, and the diagonal lines are beautiful.
style of writing; figure of speech
Refers to rhetorical or literary style, including figures of speech. Usually written in kana.
His writing has a refined style and is worth reading.
Used for the structure or plot of a story, or a plan. Usually written in kana.
The novel's plot is complex and interesting.
minor market fluctuation; technical correction
Financial term for a small, short-term price movement or correction. Usually written in kana.
Today's minor stock price fluctuation is temporary.
cat's cradle
Abbreviation of あやとり (cat's cradle). Usually written in kana.
See also: あやとり
When I was a child, I often played cat's cradle.
lease rod (in a loom)
Abbreviation of 綾竹 (lease rod), a part of a loom. Usually written in kana.
See also: 綾竹
The lease rod on the loom came off, so I fixed it.
The author added twists to the story, keeping readers engaged.
The steadily rising market showed a small technical correction.
The children played cat's cradle with string.
綾織り names the twill-weave fabric or technique itself, while 綾 can refer more abstractly to the diagonal weave pattern.
筋 is the common word for a story's plotline, while 綾 emphasizes the artful twists or structure woven into it.
修辞 is the formal term for rhetorical technique, while 綾 (in this sense) refers more broadly to stylistic flourish or figure of speech.
あやとり is the full word for the string game, while 綾 is a casual abbreviation of it.
文様 is a slightly more formal/artistic term for a decorative pattern, whereas 綾 leans toward woven or textile-derived patterning.
綾 is a twill-woven silk with a simple figured pattern, whereas 錦 denotes a more elaborate, multicolored brocade often woven with gold or silver thread.
cat's cradle
twill weave; twill fabric
high-quality glossy white habutai silk · raw silk twill with fine diamond pattern
twill damask and brocade
lease rod
The word is usually written in kana across most senses. Kanji forms are rare or restricted to specific uses.
Kanji form used specifically for the twill weave or diagonal pattern sense. Rare in modern writing.
Kanji form sometimes used for literary or figurative senses, but very rare. Not recommended for general use.
The origin is uncertain. The word may be related to the idea of crossing or intertwining, as seen in the twill weave sense. The kanji 綾 is associated with figured cloth, while 文 is associated with writing and patterns.
zigzag pattern; dogtooth pattern
twill fabric; figured cloth
traditional Japanese conical hat