毛糸

けいと

knitting wool

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 毛糸 (けいと) specifically refers to wool yarn used for knitting or crocheting. It is a common material in crafting and winter clothing production.

Common Contexts

You will often hear 毛糸 in contexts related to knitting, handmade scarves, sweaters, and other woolen items. It is typically used in everyday conversation when discussing crafting or winter wear.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 毛糸のセーター: wool sweater, a common winter garment
  • 毛糸で編む: to knit with wool yarn
  • 毛糸を買う: to buy knitting wool

Register and Nuance

毛糸 is a neutral term, suitable for both casual and formal contexts when talking about knitting materials. It is not used metaphorically or in abstract senses.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 毛糸 with 糸 (thread) in general. Remember that 毛糸 specifically means wool yarn, not just any thread or string.

Example Sentences

さむいふゆにはけいとのセーターがかかせません。

In the cold winter, a wool sweater is indispensable.

はははけいでマフラーをあんでくれました。

My mother knitted me a scarf with wool yarn.

けいとをかいにしゅげいてんへいきました。

I went to the craft store to buy knitting wool.