Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 縫

Level:N1 High
Strokes:16
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji primarily means "to sew," "to stitch," or "to mend." It encompasses the act of joining pieces of fabric or other materials together using a needle and thread. This involves creating a series of stitches to form a seam or repair a tear.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): ホウ (hou) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ぬ(う) (nu(u))

Usage Examples

⚫︎ 縫い物 Translation: Sewing; needlework ⚫︎ 縫製 (ほうせい) Translation: Sewing; stitching; tailoring ⚫︎ 裁縫 (さいほう) Translation: Sewing; needlework; tailoring

Origin and Formation

The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字, けいせいもじ). The semantic component is 糸 (いと), meaning "thread," and it provides the meaning. The phonetic component is 逢 (ほう), which contributes the sound. Thus, the character combines the element of thread with a sound element to represent the act of sewing, using thread. The historical development shows the character gradually evolving from a more complex form, eventually simplifying to its present shape. This reflects the importance of the act of sewing and mending in daily life.

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