Meaning and Usage
The word 綿 (めん) primarily refers to cotton, the natural fiber used in textiles. It is commonly used in contexts related to clothing, fabrics, and materials. When you see 綿, it often describes the material composition of an item, especially clothes or bedding.
Common Collocations
- 綿のシャツ (cotton shirt): Describes a shirt made from cotton fabric.
- 綿の布 (cotton fabric): Refers to cloth made from cotton fibers.
- 綿を使う (to use cotton): Common phrase when talking about materials.
Register and Nuance
綿 is a neutral term used in everyday conversation and written language. It is neither formal nor informal but is a technical term for the fiber. It is often paired with other words to specify products or materials.
Learner Tips
A common confusion is mixing 綿 (cotton) with 毛 (け, hair or wool). Remember 綿 refers to cotton fiber, while 毛 refers to hair or wool from animals. Pay attention to the context to avoid this mistake.
綿 is a useful word when discussing clothing materials, textile products, or natural fibers in general.