縫う
nuu[nɯ̟ː]
The Japanese verb for "sew" is 縫う (nuu). Wiktionary also lists 縫製する (hōsei suru).
Meaning: (transitive) use a needle (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 縫う | nuu | [nɯ̟ː] (narrow) |
| 縫製する | hōsei suru |
The most common and general term for "sew" in Japanese is 縫う. If you want to describe the act of sewing two or more pieces of fabric together, you can use the compound verb 縫い合わせる. To express the idea of repairing something by sewing or sewing something again, use 縫い直す. Additionally, the noun 縫い目 refers to the actual seam or stitch line created by the sewing.
Which one should you use?
While 縫う is used for general sewing, 縫製する is used in professional or industrial contexts, such as garment manufacturing.
How do you pronounce it?
nuu
Did you know?
- The verb 縫う can also mean to navigate through a crowd or to move through a difficult path, much like a needle moving through fabric.
- Japanese has a specific term 刺し子 for 'sashiko', a traditional form of decorative reinforcement sewing that transforms functional repair into an art form.
- In traditional kimono making, the sewing is often done by hand using a technique that allows the garment to be completely disassembled for washing and resizing.
Examples in context
- 着物を縫うTo sew a kimono togetherThis sentence is useful for showing how to use 縫う with a kimono.
- ボタンを縫ってください。Please sew on the button.
- この布をバッグに縫い付けたいんです。I want to sew this fabric onto the bag.
- このほころびはどうやって縫い直せますか？How can I sew this hole back together?
- ボタンを縫う。Botan o nuu.Sew on a button.
- 穴が開いた靴下を縫う。Ana ga aita kutsushita o nuu.Sew a sock with a hole.
Example conversation
Ren is helping Himari repair her clothes at home.
- 陽葵 Himariこの破れたところを縫ってくれる？Kono yabureta tokoro o nutte kureru?Can you sew this torn part for me?
- 蓮 Renいいよ、今から縫うね。Ii yo, ima kara nuu ne.Sure, I will sew it now.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、蓮くんは上手だね。Arigatou, Ren-kun wa jouzu da ne.Thank you, Ren, you are good at it.
- 蓮 Renそんなことないよ。Sonna koto nai yo.That's not true.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sew” translations and entries 縫う, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
