Translation guide
The English word "seam" refers to a line where two pieces of material are joined, or a line or mark resembling this. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the context: sewing, geology, welding, anatomy, etc. This guide covers the most common and useful expressions for learners.
The line where two pieces of fabric are stitched together.
The standard word for a seam in sewing. Refers to the line of stitching joining two pieces of fabric.
この縫い目がほつれてきた。
This seam is coming undone.
縫い目をまっすぐに縫ってください。
Please sew the seam straight.
Seam allowance – the extra fabric between the stitching and the edge. Important in sewing instructions.
縫い代は1.5センチです。
The seam allowance is 1.5 cm.
A joint or seam where two parts meet, not necessarily stitched. Can be used for fabric but is more general.
布の合わせ目をアイロンで押さえる。
Press the seam of the fabric with an iron.
A layer of mineral or coal in the ground.
A vein or seam of ore. The standard term in geology and mining.
金の鉱脈を発見した。
They discovered a seam of gold.
A coal seam. Specifically for coal deposits.
The line where two metal pieces are joined by welding.
Weld line or weld seam. The visible line of a weld.
溶接線を滑らかに仕上げる。
Smooth out the weld seam.
A joint or seam in general, including welded joints. Common in manufacturing.
パイプの継ぎ目から水が漏れている。
Water is leaking from the pipe seam.
A line or junction between body parts, like the skull or skin.
Suture line, especially the seams between bones of the skull.
頭蓋骨の縫合線は年齢とともに閉じる。
The seams of the skull close with age.
Can refer to a seam-like line on the body, such as where skin folds meet.
傷口の合わせ目がきれいだ。
The seam of the wound is clean.
A line or mark resembling a seam, often used metaphorically.
A line, streak, or seam-like mark. Very common for lines in various contexts.
壁に黒い筋が入っている。
There is a black seam running down the wall.
A line, often used for drawn or visible lines. Less specific than 筋.
紙に細い線を引く。
Draw a thin seam on the paper.
Expressions like "bursting at the seams" or "fall apart at the seams".
Means "about to burst" and is used for "bursting at the seams" when referring to fullness or overcrowding.
会場は人ではちきれそうだった。
The venue was bursting at the seams with people.
To collapse or fall apart. Can be used for "fall apart at the seams" in a figurative sense.
彼の計画は完全に崩壊した。
His plan fell apart at the seams.
To come apart at the seams (literally for fabric, figuratively for relationships or systems).
The loanword シーム (shiimu) is rarely used and sounds unnatural in most contexts. Stick to the native Japanese words listed above.
縫い目 (nuime) is specifically for stitched seams in fabric. 継ぎ目 (tsugime) is for joints or seams in pipes, metal, wood, etc. Use the right one for the material.
There is a thick coal seam in this area.
二人の関係がほころび始めた。
Their relationship started to come apart at the seams.