布

• Reading: ぬの
• Romaji: nuno
• Kanji breakdown: 布 (fu/nuno) — cloth, fabric
• Pronunciation: /nɯ.no/

Meaning

Cloth; fabric; textile material.

A noun referring to woven fabric or textile. Used as a general term for cloth and in compounds: 布団 (futon, bedding), 毛布 (moufu, blanket), 布巾 (fukin, dish cloth). In crafting contexts, refers to fabric for sewing. Also used figuratively in expressions like 布を敷く (nuno wo shiku, to lay the groundwork).

Examples

1. この布は手触りがとても柔らかい。 This fabric feels very soft to the touch.
2. 母は花柄の布でカーテンを作った。 My mother made curtains from floral-patterned fabric.
3. テーブルの上に白い布を敷いた。 I spread a white cloth over the table.

Usage Guide

Context: crafts, household, shopping

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 布 originally depicted cloth being spread out. It has been used since ancient times to refer to woven textiles.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal