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JLPT N116画 · 16 strokesradical 糸freq #1723

sew, stitch, embroider

On'yomi (音読み)

  • ホウ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • ぬ.う

Mnemonic

As she sews a beautiful pattern, the thread (糸) intertwines carefully, symbolizing the art of stitching with precision.

About this kanji

The kanji 縫, pronounced as "ぬ.う" in kun'yomi and "ホウ" in on'yomi, primarily means to sew or stitch. It is often used as a verb, as in 縫う (ぬう), which means "to sew." You will also encounter it in nouns like 裁縫 (さいほう), meaning "sewing," and 縫製 (ほうせい), which refers to machine sewing. Another common term is 縫い目 (ぬいめ), meaning "seam." When using this kanji, keep in mind that it is associated with clothing and textile crafts, making it particularly relevant in discussions about fashion or home sewing projects.

Example sentences

  • 彼女は美しいドレスを縫った。

    She sewed a beautiful dress.

Meanings across languages

English
sew, stitch, embroider
Tiếng Việt
may, khâu, thêu
日本語
縫う, かがる, 刺繍
한국어
바느질하다, 꿰매다, 자수하다
中文
缝, 缝纫, 刺绣
id
menjahit, merajut
th
เย็บ, ปัก
es
coser, bordar
fr
coudre, broder
de
nähen, sticken
pt
costurar, bordar

Common compounds

  • 裁縫さいほうsewing, needlework
  • 縫うぬうto sew, to stitch, to weave one's way (e.g. through a crowd)
  • 縫製ほうせいsewing (by machine)
  • 縫い目ぬいめseam, stitch, suture
  • 縫いぬいembroidery, sewing
  • 縫いぐるみぬいぐるみstuffed toy, stuffed animal, plush toy
  • 縫い針ぬいばりsewing needle
  • 縫い付けるぬいつけるto sew on

Want to actually learn this kanji?

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