Japanese Conversation · Level 133
60 words
Japanese word
絹
Pronunciation
Romajikinu
Meaning
- nounsilk
Example
絹のシャツを着ます。kinu no sha tsu o ki ma su
I wear a silk shirt.
More examples
母は絹の着物を大切にしています。haha wa kinu no ki mono o tai setsu ni shi te i ma su
My mother takes good care of her silk kimono.
Core concept
Refers to the smooth fiber and fabric made from silkworm cocoons, often valued for its light feel and sheen.
Common phrases
絹の布kinu no nuno
silk fabric
絹のドレスkinu no do re su
silk dress
絹の手袋kinu no te bukuro
silk gloves
Similar words
シルクshiruku: A loanword used for the material, especially in modern products and fashion.
Definition in Japanese
蚕の繭から取った繊維や、それを織った布。kaiko no mayu ka ra to tta sen i ya so re o o tta nuno
Word origin
絹 (kinu, "silk") is an old native Japanese term, written with the Chinese character 絹, whose Sino-Japanese reading is ケン (ken, "silk").
Usage tips
- The familiar English name Silk Road provides a memorable link to 絹 (kinu, "silk") through the material's role in long-distance trade.