化学繊維

• Reading: かがくせんい
• Romaji: kagaku seni
• Kanji breakdown: 化 (ka) — change, transform; 学 (gaku) — study, learning; 繊 (sen) — fine, slender; 維 (i) — fibre, maintain
• Pronunciation: /ka.ga.kɯ.seɴ.i/

Meaning

Synthetic fibre; chemical fibre. Man-made textile fibres produced through chemical processes.

A noun for fibres manufactured through chemical synthesis, as opposed to natural fibres (天然繊維, tennen seni). Includes materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Often shortened to 化繊 (kasen) in everyday speech. Common in fashion, textile, and manufacturing contexts. The term covers both fully synthetic fibres and semi-synthetic ones like rayon. Frequently compared with 天然繊維 in discussions about clothing quality and sustainability.

Examples

1. このシャツは化学繊維でできているので乾きやすい。 This shirt is made of synthetic fiber, so it dries quickly.
2. 化学繊維と天然繊維を混ぜた素材が人気だ。 Blended fabrics combining synthetic and natural fibers are popular.
3. 肌が弱い人は化学繊維が合わないことがある。 People with sensitive skin may find synthetic fibers irritating.

Usage Guide

Context: textiles, fashion, manufacturing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 化学 (kagaku, chemistry) + 繊維 (seni, fibre). Literally 'chemical fibre' — fibres created through chemical manufacturing processes.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal