織物

• Reading: おりもの
• Romaji: orimono
• Kanji breakdown: 織 (ori/shoku) — weave; 物 (mono/butsu) — thing, object
• Pronunciation: /o.ɾi.mo.no/

Meaning

Textile; woven fabric; cloth produced by weaving.

Refers specifically to fabric made by interlacing threads on a loom, as opposed to knitted or felted materials. Japan has many famous regional textiles such as 西陣織 (Nishijin-ori) from Kyoto. Used in contexts of fashion, traditional crafts, and industry.

Examples

1. 京都の西陣は高級な織物で有名だ。 Nishijin in Kyoto is famous for its high-quality textiles.
2. この博物館では伝統的な織物の歴史が学べる。 At this museum, you can learn the history of traditional textiles.
3. 機械化される前は織物はすべて手作業で作られていた。 Before mechanization, all textiles were made by hand.

Usage Guide

Context: textiles, traditional crafts, fashion

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 織 (to weave) + 物 (thing). 織 depicts threads being interlaced on a loom, and the word has been used since ancient times in Japanese textile culture.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal