レーヨン
rēyon[ɾe̞ːjõ̞ɴ]
The Japanese word for rayon is レーヨン (rēyon). Wiktionary also lists 人絹 (jinken) and 人造絹糸 (jinzō kenshi).
Meaning: cellulosic fiber (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| レーヨン | rēyon | [ɾe̞ːjõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 人絹 | jinken | [d͡ʑĩŋkẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 人造絹糸 | jinzō kenshi | [d͡ʑĩnd͡zo̞ː kẽ̞ɰ̃ɕi] (narrow) |
The term refers to the cellulosic fiber used in textiles. In modern contexts, such as retail environments and on clothing labels, the katakana form レーヨン is the standard way to denote the material composition.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 人造絹糸 literally translates to 'artificial silk thread', which describes the physical nature of the fiber.
Which one should you use?
レーヨン is the most common way to refer to rayon in modern Japanese, typically used in fashion and textile contexts. The forms 人絹 and 人造絹糸 are also used to describe the material, with the latter being a literal description of 'artificial silk thread'.
How do you pronounce it?
rēyon
Did you know?
- The word 人造絹糸 reflects a historical period when rayon was marketed specifically as a luxury substitute for silk to make high-fashion looks accessible to the middle class.
- The term 人絹 is often seen on vintage Japanese clothing labels from the early to mid-20th century before the English loanword レーヨン became the dominant term.
- While レーヨン is the general term for rayon, Japanese textile experts may use ビスコース to specifically denote the viscose process used to create the fiber.
Examples in context
- 私はこのドレスがレーヨンでできていることを知りませんでした。I didn't know that this dress is made of rayon.
- このブラウスはレーヨンでできています。Kono burausu wa rēyon de dekite imasu.This blouse is made of rayon.
- レーヨンの服はとても柔らかいです。Rēyon no fuku wa totemo yawarakai desu.Rayon clothing is very soft.
- レーヨンの生地は洗濯に注意が必要です。Rēyon no kiji wa sentaku ni chūi ga hitsuyō desu.Rayon fabric requires care when washing.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are looking at clothes in a clothing store.
- 結衣 Yuiこのスカート、レーヨンかな？Kono sukāto, rēyon kana?I wonder if this skirt is rayon?
- 健太 Kentaタグを確認してみるよ。Tagu o kakunin shite miru yo.I'll check the tag.
- 結衣 Yui本当だ、レーヨンって書いてある！Hontō da, rēyon tte kaite aru!You're right, it says rayon!
- 健太 Kenta肌触りがすごく良さそうだね。Hadazawari ga sugoku yosasō da ne.It looks like it feels really nice on the skin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rayon” translations and entries レーヨン, 人絹, 人造絹糸, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
