Translation guide
The English word 'cloth' can refer to fabric material, a piece of fabric used for cleaning or covering, or a type of woven textile. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese word based on the specific meaning and context.
Referring to cloth as a material, such as cotton, wool, or synthetic fabric, often used for making clothes or other items.
The most general word for 'cloth' as a material. It refers to woven fabric, typically made from cotton, linen, wool, etc. Used in everyday contexts.
この布は柔らかいですね。
This cloth is soft, isn't it?
布でバッグを作りました。
I made a bag out of cloth.
Often used for fabric in the context of sewing, tailoring, or clothing material. It emphasizes the quality or type of fabric.
この生地はウール100%です。
This cloth is 100% wool.
ドレスの生地を選んでいます。
I'm choosing the cloth for the dress.
Refers specifically to woven fabric. It is more technical and often used in traditional or industrial contexts.
この地域は織物の生産で有名です。
This region is famous for its cloth production.
Referring to a piece of cloth used for practical purposes like cleaning, wiping, or covering surfaces.
Also used for a piece of cloth, such as a cleaning rag or a cloth for wiping. Context makes the meaning clear.
テーブルを布で拭いてください。
Please wipe the table with a cloth.
濡れた布で窓を拭いた。
I wiped the window with a wet cloth.
Specifically a cleaning cloth or rag, often used for housecleaning. It implies a cloth that may be old or designated for cleaning.
A loanword from English, often used for specific types of cloths like dishcloths, dustcloths, or microfiber cloths. Common in product names.
Referring to a cloth used to cover a table, altar, or other surface, often for decorative or protective purposes.
The standard word for 'tablecloth'. It is a loanword and widely understood.
テーブルクロスを敷いてください。
Please put on the tablecloth.
A general term for a cloth used to cover something, like a dust cover or a cloth draped over an object. Less common for tablecloths.
ピアノに掛け布をかける。
I put a cloth over the piano.
Referring to the clergy or the religious profession, often used metaphorically.
There is no direct equivalent for 'the cloth' in Japanese. Instead, use words like 聖職者 (seishokusha, clergy) or 僧侶 (souryo, monk/priest) depending on the religion.
彼は聖職者になった。
He took the cloth. (He became a clergyman.)
布 (nuno) means 'cloth' or 'fabric', while 服 (fuku) means 'clothes' or 'garments'. Saying 布を着る (nuno o kiru) would mean 'wear a piece of cloth', which is unnatural unless you literally wrap yourself in fabric.
布で服を作る。
Make clothes out of cloth.
布 (nuno) is the general term for cloth/fabric. 生地 (kiji) is often used when talking about fabric for sewing or clothing material, and can also refer to the texture or quality of the fabric. In many contexts they overlap, but 生地 is more specific to tailoring and crafts.
この布は安いが、生地は悪くない。
This cloth is cheap, but the fabric quality isn't bad.
雑巾で床を拭いて。
Wipe the floor with a cloth.
I clean my glasses with a microfiber cloth.