Meaning and Usage
"裁縫" (さいほう) specifically refers to the activity of sewing or tailoring clothes and fabrics. It is a noun commonly used in contexts related to making or repairing garments.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "裁縫" in educational settings, such as school classes teaching sewing skills, or when talking about hobbies and crafts involving fabric work. It can also refer to the tools and skills associated with sewing.
Collocations and Patterns
- 裁縫が得意 (さいほうがとくい): good at sewing, used to describe someone's skill level.
- 裁縫の授業 (さいほうのじゅぎょう): sewing class, common in school contexts.
- 裁縫道具 (さいほうどうぐ): sewing tools, referring to needles, threads, scissors, etc.
Register and Nuance
"裁縫" is a neutral term, neither formal nor casual, and is appropriate in everyday conversation and written language. It is more specific than general words like "手芸" (handicrafts) because it focuses on sewing.
Learner Tips
A common confusion is mixing "裁縫" with "縫う" (ぬう), which is the verb "to sew." Remember that "裁縫" is the noun for the activity or craft, while "縫う" is the action. Use "裁縫" when talking about sewing as a skill or subject, and "縫う" when describing the act of sewing something.