麻
asa[a̠sa̠]
The Japanese word for hemp is 麻 (asa).
麻 is a noun used to refer to the plant species Cannabis sativa.
Meaning: Cannabis sativa (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
asa
Did you know?
- In ancient Japan, 麻 was considered a sacred plant and was frequently used to create ritual garments for Shinto ceremonies.
- The pronunciation of 麻 can change depending on its usage, often shifting from 'asa' to 'ma' when it is part of a compound word.
- While 麻 refers to the plant, the term 大麻 is specifically used for cannabis in legal and medicinal contexts.
Examples in context
- 日本では、伝統的に麻はさまざまな目的に使用されてきました。In Japan, hemp has traditionally been used for various purposes.
- 最近、麻の健康効果について話題になっているんだよ。Lately, there has been talk about the health benefits of hemp.
- 麻の布はとても丈夫です。asa no nuno wa totemo joubu desu.Hemp cloth is very durable.
- このシャツは麻で作られています。kono shatsu wa asa de tsukurarete imasu.This shirt is made of hemp.
- 麻の繊維を研究しています。asa no sen'i o kenkyuu shite imasu.I am researching hemp fibers.
Example conversation
In a clothing store, Yui asks about the material of a shirt.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さん、このシャツの素材は何ですか？Yui-san, kono shatsu no sozai wa nan desu ka?Yui, what is the material of this shirt?
- 結衣 Yuiこれは麻ですよ。Kore wa asa desu yo.It is hemp.
- 大翔 Hiroto麻は夏に涼しいですね。Asa wa natsu ni suzushii desu ne.Hemp is cool in the summer, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、とても快適です。Hai, totemo kaiteki desu.Yes, it is very comfortable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hemp” translations and entries 麻, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
