裁縫
saihō[sa̠iho̞ː]
The English word "sewing" is 裁縫 (saihō) in Japanese.
裁縫 refers to the action of sewing, specifically in the sense of tailoring or dressmaking.
Meaning: action of the verb to sew (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 裁縫 refers to the general craft or skill of sewing, work done specifically with a sewing machine is often referred to as ミシン. Additionally, 縫い物 is a common synonym used to describe the act of needlework or the actual items produced.
How do you pronounce it?
saihō
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word for 'sewing machine' is actually the katakana loanword ミシン, which comes from the German word 'Maschine'.
- The character 裁 in 裁縫 also means 'to judge' or 'to decide', relating to the way a tailor must decide how to cut fabric.
- In traditional Japanese sewing, the 'sashiko' technique uses a running stitch to reinforce clothing, creating decorative white patterns on indigo cloth.
Examples in context
- 本当に裁縫が上手ですね。You are very good at sewing.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone is very good at 裁縫.Tatoeba #231565 by small_snow, translation #354289 by Hautis
- 縫製の技術は日本の伝統美に根ざしています。The art of sewing is rooted in Japanese traditional beauty.
- 昔から裁縫が趣味です。Mukashi kara saihou ga shumi desu.Sewing has been my hobby since a long time ago.
- 裁縫の道具を揃えました。Saihou no dougu o soroemashita.I gathered my sewing tools.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is repairing a hole in Daisho's shirt.
- 結衣 Yui大翔くん、ここを直しておくね。Daisho-kun, koko o naoshite oku ne.Daisho, I'll fix this part for you.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。結衣は裁縫が得意なんだね。Arigatou. Yui wa saihou ga tokui nanda ne.Thanks. You're good at sewing, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiまあまあだよ。Maa maa da yo.I'm just okay at it.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に助かるよ。Hontou ni tasukaru yo.It really helps me out.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sewing” translations and entries 裁縫, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
