Meaning and Usage
"縫う" primarily means "to sew," referring to the act of stitching fabric or materials together using a needle and thread. It is commonly used in everyday contexts such as making or repairing clothes.
Figurative Use
Besides the literal meaning, "縫う" is also used figuratively to describe moving skillfully through narrow or crowded spaces, like "weaving through traffic" or "threading through a crowd."
Common Collocations
- 縫うように歩く: to walk weaving through something, often used to describe careful or skillful movement through tight spaces.
- 針と糸で縫う: to sew with needle and thread, emphasizing the tools used.
- ボタンを縫い直す: to re-sew a button, a common phrase in clothing repair.
Register and Politeness
"縫う" is a neutral verb suitable for both casual and formal contexts. It is often used in everyday conversation and written language.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "縫う" with "塗る" (ぬる), which means "to paint" or "to spread." Although they sound similar, their meanings and kanji are different. Also, remember the figurative use when describing movement through narrow spaces, which is a common expression in Japanese.