Japanese word

反

Pronunciation

Romajitan

Meaning

  • nounbolt

Example

布を一反買います。nuno o it tan ka i ma su

I will buy one bolt of cloth.

Illustration for 反 (bolt)

More examples

店には染め上がった布が三反並んでいます。mise ni wa so me a ga tta nuno ga san tan nara n de i ma su

Three newly dyed bolts of cloth are displayed in the shop.

Core concept

Refers to a measured length of cloth treated as one ready-to-handle piece.

Common phrases

  • 布一反nuno it tan

    one bolt of cloth

  • 一反の絹it tan no kinu

    one bolt of silk

  • 一反の木綿it tan no momen

    one bolt of cotton cloth

Similar words

反物tanmono: A piece of fabric sold as a standard length, especially for making clothing.

Definition in Japanese

布地を一定の長さにした一枚分を数える単位。nuno ji o it tei no naga sa ni shi ta ichi mai bun o kazo e ru tan i

Word origin

The exact origin of the cloth-unit reading 反 (tan, "bolt of cloth") is uncertain; Japanese also writes this traditional unit as 段 (tan, "section; measure").

Usage tips

  • The fabric sense of English bolt refers to cloth wound or folded as a standard length, whereas its more familiar senses refer to a fastener or a quick movement.

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