麻
Meanings
1
cannabis; hemp plant
Refers to the Cannabis sativa plant itself, including both industrial hemp and marijuana varieties.
Hemp grows quickly, and its fibers and seeds are used.
2
Refers to the fiber obtained from hemp or similar plants, and by extension to fabrics like linen, flax, or jute. Often used in compounds like 麻布 (あさぬの, hemp cloth) or 麻糸 (あさいと, hemp thread).
This shirt is made of linen, so it's cool in summer.
Usage patterns
- 麻を栽培するto cultivate hemp
Hemp has been cultivated in this region since long ago.
- 麻でできた〈物〉something made of hemp/linen
A shirt made of linen is cool in summer.
- 麻を刈るto harvest hemp
In autumn, the farmers harvest the hemp and dry it.
- 麻を紡ぐto spin hemp into thread
People in the past spun hemp into thread to make cloth.