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B1 verb #6,000 am häufigsten 7 Min. Lesezeit

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At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 'nuu' (縫う), which is 'to sew'. Think of it as a simple action word you might use in a classroom or at home. You will mostly see it in the present tense 'nuimasu' or 'nuu'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the metaphorical meanings. Just remember that it involves a needle (hari) and thread (ito). For example, if you lose a button, you 'nuu' it back on. It is a transitive verb, so you always say '[thing] o nuu'. Keep your sentences short and focused on simple objects like clothes or buttons. You might also hear this word if you are learning about hobbies or daily chores. It is an 'u-verb' (Godan), so practice its basic polite form: nuimasu, and its negative form: nuimasen.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'nuu' (縫う) in more descriptive sentences and learn its common past tense form 'nutta' (縫った). You should be able to describe who is sewing and what they are making. For instance, 'My grandmother sewed this bag' (Obaasan ga kono baggu o nutta). You can also begin to connect it with related nouns like 'mishin' (sewing machine) or 'te-nui' (hand-sewing). This is a good time to learn the te-form 'nutte', which allows you to ask for help: 'Kore o nutte kudasai' (Please sew this). You are also expanding your vocabulary to include the materials used with 'nuu', such as 'nuno' (cloth) and 'ito' (thread). Focus on the domestic context of repairing clothes or making simple items.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the secondary meanings of 'nuu' (縫う). While you still use it for sewing clothes, you should now be comfortable with its medical usage—stitching a wound. If you read a story about someone getting hurt, you might see 'kizu o go-shin nutta' (sewed the wound with five stitches). More importantly, this is the level where you master the metaphorical 'weaving through' meaning. You should be able to describe a person moving through a crowd (hitogomi o nuu) or a car through traffic (juutai o nuu). Notice how the particle 'o' is used for the space being navigated. You should also be able to use the potential form 'nueru' (can sew) and the passive form 'nuwareru' (is sewed) in context.

At the B2 level, your use of 'nuu' (縫う) should include more sophisticated grammar and nuanced expressions. You will encounter 'nuu' in more formal or literary contexts, such as 'unmei o nui-awaseru' (to sew fates together). You should understand compound verbs like 'nui-awaseru' (to sew together) or 'nui-tsukeru' (to sew onto). In terms of the 'weaving through' meaning, you can use it to describe more abstract navigation, such as 'finding time in a busy schedule' (isogashii jikan no aima o nuu). Your ability to distinguish 'nuu' from similar verbs like 'tsukurou' (to mend) or 'shitateru' (to tailor) becomes important here. You should also be aware of the noun form 'nui' used in terms like 'shishuu' (embroidery).

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At the C1 level, you should appreciate the stylistic and literary nuances of 'nuu' (縫う). It often appears in high-level literature to describe the way light filters through trees or the way a river winds through a valley (though 'uneri' is more common for rivers, 'nuu' can be used for a very specific, sharp path). You will recognize it in idioms and advanced collocations. For example, 'shisetsu o nuu' (weaving through the facilities/buildings). You should also be familiar with the technical vocabulary of tailoring and the historical context of Japanese garment construction where 'nuu' plays a central role. At this level, you can use 'nuu' to create vivid, poetic imagery in your writing, moving beyond the literal needle and thread to describe complex paths and connections.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete grasp of '縫う' in all its archaic, technical, and metaphorical forms. You can discuss the etymology of the kanji (the 'thread' radical combined with the 'join/meet' phonetic) and how it relates to other characters. You are comfortable using it in highly specific professional contexts, such as high-fashion tailoring or specialized surgical procedures. You can identify the subtle difference in tone when 'nuu' is used in a classical poem versus a modern news report. You can use the word to describe the intricate 'weaving' of a complex narrative or a political strategy. Your command of the word allows you to use it with perfect naturalness, even in the most abstract and philosophical discussions about connections and paths.

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Primary meaning is to sew or stitch using a needle and thread.
Commonly used in medical contexts for surgical stitches (sutures).
Used metaphorically to describe weaving or threading through a crowd or traffic.
A Godan verb (nuu, nuimasu, nutte) requiring the particle 'o' for the object.

The Japanese verb 縫う (nuu) is a versatile term that primarily describes the act of joining pieces of fabric or material using a needle and thread. At its most literal level, it is the fundamental word for sewing, covering everything from professional tailoring and kimono making to simply reattaching a loose button on a shirt. However, its utility extends far beyond the world of textiles, branching into medical, metaphorical, and navigational contexts that are essential for intermediate learners to master.

Literal Sewing: This refers to the physical act of using a needle (針, hari) and thread (糸, ito) to create or repair clothing. Whether done by hand (手縫い, tenui) or with a sewing machine (ミシンで縫う, mishin de nuu), this is the most common usage. It implies a deliberate, constructive process of binding edges together.

母は古い着物をほどいて、新しいバッグを縫ってくれた。
(My mother unpicked an old kimono and sewed a new bag for me.)

Medical Context (Sutures): In a hospital or clinical setting, 'nuu' is used to describe stitching a wound or incision. When a doctor performs surgery or treats a deep cut, the act of applying sutures is expressed as 'kizu o nuu' (縫う). This is a high-frequency term in medical dramas and real-life emergency situations.

Navigational Metaphor: Perhaps the most interesting use for B1 learners is the metaphorical one: to weave through or thread through a crowded space. Just as a needle moves in and out of fabric, a person or vehicle can 'sew' through a crowd (人混みを縫う) or through traffic (車の間を縫う). It implies agile, quick movement through narrow openings or obstacles.

オートバイが渋滞の列を縫うように走り去った。
(The motorcycle sped away, weaving through the lines of traffic congestion.)

Understanding these three pillars—textiles, medicine, and movement—allows you to use 'nuu' with the nuance of a native speaker. It captures the essence of connecting points or navigating tight spaces with precision.

Using 縫う (nuu) correctly requires attention to its object and the particles that accompany it. As a transitive verb (他動詞, tadoushi), it typically takes the particle を (o) to indicate what is being sewed or traversed.

Grammar Structure: [Object] を縫う: When sewing an object, the object is usually the cloth, the garment, or the wound. Example: 'Fuku o nuu' (Sew clothes). When weaving through a space, the space is the object. Example: 'Hitogomi o nuu' (Weave through the crowd).

ほころびを縫うのは、意外と時間がかかる。
(Sewing up a frayed seam takes more time than you'd expect.)

Using 'Nuu' with Adverbs of Manner: Because sewing requires precision, you will often see 'nuu' paired with adverbs like 'teinei ni' (carefully/politely) or 'chikuchiku' (the sound/sensation of pricking). For movement, 'sururi to' (smoothly) is common.

The '~youni' Pattern: In the navigational sense, 'nuu' is frequently used in the form 'nuu you ni' (as if sewing). This creates a vivid image of someone darting left and right through a gap. 'Hitogomi o nuu you ni aruku' (To walk as if sewing through a crowd).

彼は人混みを縫うようにして、駅の改札口へ向かった。
(He headed toward the station ticket gate, weaving through the crowd.)

Whether you are describing a hobby, a medical emergency, or a busy morning commute, 'nuu' provides the specific imagery of a needle-like path. Mastery of its transitive nature and its common adverbial pairings will significantly enhance your descriptive capabilities in Japanese.

In daily Japanese life, 縫う (nuu) appears in several distinct domains. Understanding these contexts helps you anticipate the word and respond appropriately.

1. The Domestic Sphere: In Japanese households, especially those with children, 'nuu' is heard when discussing school preparations. Japanese elementary schools often require parents to sew 'zokin' (cleaning cloths) or name tags onto uniforms. You'll hear: 'Zokin o nuwanakucha' (I have to sew the cleaning rags).

「ボタンが取れそうだよ。」「あとで縫っておくね。」
("The button looks like it's coming off." "I'll sew it back on later.")

2. Medical and Drama Settings: If you watch Japanese medical dramas (like 'Doctor-X' or 'Code Blue'), 'nuu' is a keyword during surgery scenes. Doctors will shout orders to stitch an artery or close a wound. In real life, if someone has an accident, they might say: 'Go-shin nutta' (I got five stitches).

3. News and Traffic Reports: On the news, reporters describing a daring escape or a chaotic scene often use 'nuu'. For example, describing a thief running through an alleyway or a boat navigating through dangerous rocks. It adds a dramatic, visual element to the reporting.

犯人は警官の制止を縫って逃走した。
(The culprit wove through the police blockade and escaped.)

From the quiet of a sewing room to the high stakes of an ER or a news broadcast, 'nuu' is a word that describes the physical and metaphorical threading of life's many paths.

While 縫う (nuu) seems straightforward, there are several pitfalls that English speakers and beginning students often encounter. These usually stem from confusing 'nuu' with similar-sounding words or related concepts like knitting.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Nuu' with 'Amu' (Knitting): In English, we sometimes use 'sew' loosely, but in Japanese, the distinction is strict. 'Nuu' is for needle and thread (sewing). 'Amu' (編む) is for yarn and needles/hooks (knitting/crocheting). You cannot 'nuu' a sweater; you 'amu' it.

❌ セーターを縫う (Incorrect for knitting)
✅ セーターを編む (Correct: To knit a sweater)

Mistake 2: Phonetic Confusion with 'Nuru': The verb 'nuru' (塗る) means to paint, smear, or apply (like cream). Because both start with 'nu', learners often mix them up. Remember: 'Nuu' has a long 'u' sound (nu-u), while 'nuru' ends in 'ru'. Conjugation also differs: 'Nutte' (sewing) vs 'Nutte' (painting - wait, they are the same in te-form! You must rely on kanji or context).

Mistake 3: Overusing 'Nuu' for General Movement: Don't use 'nuu' for every time you walk through a group. It specifically implies a zigzagging, threading motion. If you are just walking through, use 'tooru' (通る). Use 'nuu' only when you want to emphasize the difficulty or the agility required to get through the gaps.

❌ 道を縫う (Unless the road is crowded or winding)
✅ 道を歩く (To walk the road)

By keeping the distinction between sewing and knitting clear, and by being mindful of the 'nuru/nuu' phonetic overlap, you will avoid the most common errors associated with this verb.

While 縫う (nuu) is the standard term for sewing, Japanese has several specific verbs and nouns that describe different types of joining or fixing. Choosing the right one adds precision to your speech.

縫う (Nuu) vs. 繕う (Tsukurou): 'Nuu' is the action of sewing. 'Tsukurou' (繕う) means to mend or repair. While you often mend by sewing, 'tsukurou' focuses on the result (fixing something broken). Interestingly, 'tsukurou' is also used for 'mending' one's appearance or reputation.

靴下の穴を繕う。
(To mend a hole in a sock.)

縫う (Nuu) vs. 仕立てる (Shitateru): 'Shitateru' means to tailor or make a garment to order. While 'nuu' is the physical act, 'shitateru' encompasses the whole professional process of designing and creating a custom piece of clothing.

Metaphorical Alternatives: When describing moving through a crowd, you could also use 'kaki-wakeru' (かき分ける), which means to push through or part the crowd (like parting tall grass). While 'nuu' implies agility, 'kaki-wakeru' implies a bit more physical effort.

人混みをかき分けて進む。
(To push through the crowd and move forward.)

By distinguishing between the general act of sewing ('nuu'), the intent to fix ('tsukurou'), the professional craft ('shitateru'), and the physical act of pushing ('kaki-wakeru'), you can express yourself with much greater nuance in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji for 'nuu' (縫) contains the radical for 'thread' (糸). The right side (逢) means 'to meet' or 'to encounter'. So, the kanji literally suggests 'threads meeting together'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK nɯᵝ.ɯᵝ

US nuː

Atamadaka (Accent on the first syllable 'nu').

Reimt sich auf

kuu (to eat) suu (to smoke/inhale) fuu (style/seal) muu (nothingness) yuu (to say) ou (to chase) au (to meet) kau (to buy)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it like 'new' (nyu). It is 'nu-u'.
Confusing it with 'nuru' (to paint).
Failing to lengthen the 'u' sound properly.
Mixing up the te-form 'nutte' with other similar-sounding verbs.
Using an English 'r' sound if they mistake it for 'nuru'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji 縫 is somewhat complex but the verb is common enough to be recognized.

Schreiben 4/5

The kanji 縫 has many strokes and requires practice to write correctly.

Sprechen 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but must be distinguished from 'nuru'.

Hören 3/5

Can be confused with 'nuru' in fast speech, especially in the te-form.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

針 (hari) 糸 (ito) 服 (fuku) 直す (naosu) 歩く (aruku)

Als Nächstes lernen

編む (amu) 繕う (tsukurou) 刺繍 (shishuu) 裁断 (saidan) 型紙 (katagami)

Fortgeschritten

抜糸 (basshi) 縫合 (hougou) 運針 (unshin) 和裁 (wasai) 洋裁 (yousai)

Wichtige Grammatik

Godan Verb Conjugation (u-verbs)

縫う -> 縫わない, 縫います, 縫って, 縫った

Transitive Verb with Particle 'o'

服を縫う (Sew clothes)

Te-form for sequential actions

ボタンを縫って、完成させた。

Potential form for ability

私はミシンで服が縫えます。

Compound verbs with ~awaseru

二つのパーツを縫い合わせる。

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Beispiele nach Niveau

ボタンを縫います。

I will sew the button.

Polite present tense of 'nuu'.

母は服を縫う。

My mother sews clothes.

Plain form 'nuu'.

針で縫ってください。

Please sew it with a needle.

Te-form + kudasai for a request.

これは私が縫いました。

I sewed this.

Polite past tense.

バッグを縫いたい。

I want to sew a bag.

Tai-form (desire).

妹は縫うのが上手です。

My younger sister is good at sewing.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no'.

タオルを縫ってください。

Please sew the towel.

Simple request form.

毎日、少し縫います。

I sew a little every day.

Adverb 'mainichi' with the verb.

ミシンで新しいカーテンを縫いました。

I sewed new curtains with a sewing machine.

Using 'de' to indicate the tool.

穴が開いたので、縫って直しました。

There was a hole, so I sewed it to fix it.

Compound action: 'nutte naoshita'.

弟のズボンを縫ってあげた。

I sewed my brother's pants for him.

Te-form + ageru (doing a favor).

縫うのは難しいですが、楽しいです。

Sewing is difficult, but it's fun.

Using 'wa' to topic-mark the action.

雑巾（ぞうきん）を５枚縫いました。

I sewed five cleaning rags.

Counter 'mai' for flat objects.

名前を縫い付ける必要があります。

It is necessary to sew on the name (tag).

Compound verb 'nui-tsukeru'.

上手に縫えるようになりたい。

I want to become able to sew well.

Potential form 'nueru' + yoni naru.

この糸で縫ってもいいですか？

Is it okay if I sew with this thread?

Te-form + mo ii desu ka (permission).

怪我をして、病院で３針縫った。

I got injured and got three stitches at the hospital.

Medical use of 'nuu'.

彼は人混みを縫うように歩いて行った。

He walked as if weaving through the crowd.

Metaphorical use for navigation.

渋滞の車の間を縫って、バイクが走る。

The motorcycle runs, weaving between the cars in the traffic jam.

Te-form used for continuous movement.

このドレスは全部手で縫われています。

This dress is entirely sewed by hand.

Passive form 'nuwarete iru'.

忙しい時間の合間を縫って、勉強する。

I study by weaving through the gaps in my busy schedule.

Abstract navigation of time.

破れたところをきれいに縫い合わせた。

I sewed the torn parts together neatly.

Compound verb 'nui-awaseru'.

プロのように縫うのは、訓練が必要だ。

To sew like a professional, training is necessary.

Using 'yoni' for comparison.

傷口を縫うとき、少し痛かったです。

When they sewed the wound, it hurt a little.

Using 'toki' for time.

彼女は巧みに言葉の隙間を縫って、本音を隠した。

She skillfully wove through the gaps in her words and hid her true feelings.

Highly metaphorical use for social interaction.

この伝統的な着物は、熟練の職人が一針ずつ縫い上げたものです。

This traditional kimono was sewn stitch by stitch by a skilled craftsman.

Compound verb 'nui-ageru' (to finish sewing).

選手たちは相手の守備を縫うようにしてゴールに迫った。

The players approached the goal, weaving through the opponent's defense.

Sports context for navigation.

手術後の抜糸（ばっし）は、縫った糸を取り除く作業です。

Removing stitches after surgery is the task of taking out the sewn thread.

Explaining medical terms related to 'nuu'.

彼は都会のビル群の間を縫うように吹く風を感じた。

He felt the wind blowing as if weaving through the city's skyscrapers.

Literary description of nature/city.

ほころびを縫う暇（いとま）もないほど忙しい。

I'm so busy I don't even have time to sew up a fray.

Idiomatic expression for extreme busyness.

布を縫い合わせることで、一つの物語が完成する。

By sewing the fabrics together, one story is completed.

Metaphorical use in art/storytelling.

この傷跡は、以前大怪我をして縫った時のものです。

This scar is from when I had a major injury and got stitches.

Describing the result of the action.

歴史の断片を縫い合わせるようにして、真実を究明する。

Investigating the truth by sewing together fragments of history.

Abstract use in academic research.

小船は複雑な岩礁の間を縫うように進んでいった。

The small boat proceeded, weaving through the complex reefs.

Advanced navigational description.

彼女の人生は、苦難と喜びが交互に縫い込まれたタペストリーのようだ。

Her life is like a tapestry in which hardships and joys are alternately sewn in.

Compound verb 'nui-komu' (to sew into).

法案の修正を重ね、各党の利害を縫い合わせる作業が続く。

The work of sewing together the interests of each party continues through repeated bill amendments.

Political metaphor for compromise.

山肌を縫うように走る登山道は、初心者には険しすぎる。

The mountain trail that runs as if weaving through the mountainside is too steep for beginners.

Describing geography and paths.

沈黙を縫うようにして、遠くから鐘の音が聞こえてきた。

The sound of a bell from afar could be heard, as if weaving through the silence.

Poetic use involving sound and atmosphere.

この論文は、先行研究の隙間を縫うような鋭い視点を持っている。

This paper has a sharp perspective that weaves through the gaps of previous research.

Intellectual metaphor.

職人の手によって、一針の狂いもなく縫い上げられた名品だ。

It is a masterpiece sewn by a craftsman without a single stitch out of place.

Emphasis on precision and mastery.

幾多の因果が縫い合わされたこの現世において、偶然など存在しないのかもしれない。

In this world where countless causes and effects are sewn together, perhaps coincidence does not exist.

Philosophical/Religious register.

古の詩人は、月光が波間を縫う様を「銀の糸」と形容した。

Ancient poets described the way moonlight weaves through the waves as 'silver threads'.

Classical literary analysis.

外交官は、国家間の緊張を縫うような繊細な交渉を求められる。

Diplomats are required to conduct delicate negotiations that weave through tensions between nations.

High-level professional metaphor.

その作家の文体は、日常の何気ない風景を縫い合わせ、非日常へと誘う魔力がある。

That author's style has the magic to sew together casual everyday scenes and invite the reader into the extraordinary.

Literary criticism.

都市の喧騒を縫って届く小鳥のさえずりに、彼は束の間の安らぎを見出した。

In the chirping of a small bird that reached him through the city's hustle and bustle, he found a moment's peace.

Complex atmospheric description.

伝統芸能の継承は、過去から未来へと続く時間を縫い合わせる行為に他ならない。

The succession of traditional arts is nothing less than the act of sewing together the time that continues from the past to the future.

Abstract conceptualization of time and culture.

彼は自己のアイデンティティを、異文化の境界線を縫うようにして確立していった。

He established his identity by weaving through the boundaries of different cultures.

Sociological/Psychological depth.

最新のナノ技術を用い、細胞レベルで組織を縫い合わせることが可能になりつつある。

Using the latest nanotechnology, it is becoming possible to sew tissues together at the cellular level.

Scientific/Technical frontier.

Häufige Kollokationen

針と糸で縫う

傷口を縫う

人混みを縫う

車の間を縫う

ミシンで縫う

手で縫う

雑巾を縫う

隙間を縫う

ほころびを縫う

一針ずつ縫う

Häufige Phrasen

縫い物をする

— To do sewing (as a general activity or hobby).

休日は家で縫い物をして過ごします。

縫い目が荒い

— The stitches are coarse or loose.

急いで作ったので、縫い目が荒くなってしまった。

縫い目がきれい

— The stitches are beautiful and neat.

彼女の縫い目はいつもきれいで感心する。

縫い代 (ぬいしろ)

— The seam allowance (extra fabric left for the seam).

縫い代を１センチ取ってカットしてください。

仮縫い (かりぬい)

— Basting or temporary stitching for fitting.

本縫いの前に、まずは仮縫いをします。

本縫い (ほんぬい)

— The final, permanent sewing.

サイズが合ったので、本縫いに入ります。

縫い上げる

— To finish sewing something completely.

一晩でドレスを縫い上げた。

縫い付ける

— To sew something onto something else.

ワッペンをジャケットに縫い付ける。

縫い合わせる

— To sew two pieces of fabric together.

裏地と表地を縫い合わせる。

縫い直す

— To sew something again (to fix a mistake).

形が気に入らないので、縫い直すことにした。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

縫う vs 編む (amu)

Amu is for knitting/weaving yarn; nuu is for sewing fabric with thread.

縫う vs 塗る (nuru)

Nuru means to paint or smear; they share the same te-form sound 'nutte'.

縫う vs 練る (neru)

Neru means to knead or elaborate; phonetically similar to a beginner's ear.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"人混みを縫う"

— To weave through a crowd quickly and skillfully.

彼は人混みを縫うように駅へ向かった。

Neutral

"合間を縫う"

— To find a small gap of time in a busy schedule.

仕事の合間を縫って、ジムに通っている。

Neutral

"網の目を縫う"

— To slip through the cracks or find loopholes (like in a net).

法の網の目を縫うような行為は許されない。

Formal/Legal

"波間を縫う"

— To move skillfully between waves (often used for boats).

小船が激しい波間を縫って進む。

Literary

"縫うように走る"

— To run or drive in a zigzag fashion to avoid obstacles.

バイクが車の間を縫うように走っていく。

Neutral

"傷口を縫う"

— To close a wound with stitches (literal, but used as a standard phrase).

病院で５針縫う大怪我をした。

Medical

"運命を縫い合わせる"

— To interweave destinies (metaphorical).

二人の運命が複雑に縫い合わされている。

Literary

"歴史の隙間を縫う"

— To focus on obscure or hidden parts of history.

この小説は歴史の隙間を縫うようなエピソードが多い。

Academic/Literary

"風がビルの間を縫う"

— The wind whistles/weaves between buildings.

冷たい風がビルの間を縫うように吹き抜けた。

Poetic

"一針一針縫う"

— To do something very carefully and deliberately, step by step.

一針一針縫うように、慎重に計画を進める。

Metaphorical

Leicht verwechselbar

縫う vs 縫う (nuu) vs 繕う (tsukurou)

Both involve fixing fabric.

Nuu is the act of sewing; tsukurou is the act of mending (the goal). You can tsukurou using glue, but you nuu only with a needle.

穴を繕う (mend a hole) vs 糸で縫う (sew with thread).

縫う vs 縫う (nuu) vs 通る (tooru)

Both involve movement through a space.

Tooru is just passing through; nuu is weaving through obstacles specifically.

道を通る (walk a road) vs 人混みを縫う (weave through a crowd).

縫う vs 縫う (nuu) vs 組む (kumu)

Both involve joining things.

Kumu is for crossing or assembling (like legs or a team); nuu is for piercing and binding with thread.

足を組む (cross legs) vs 布を縫う (sew cloth).

縫う vs 縫う (nuu) vs 結ぶ (musubu)

Both involve thread/string.

Musubu is to tie a knot; nuu is to stitch through material.

紐を結ぶ (tie a string) vs 傷を縫う (stitch a wound).

縫う vs 縫う (nuu) vs 織る (oru)

Both are textile terms.

Oru is to weave fabric from scratch on a loom; nuu is to join already woven fabric.

布を織る (weave cloth) vs 服を縫う (sew a garment).

Satzmuster

[Object] を縫う。

シャツを縫う。

[Tool] で [Object] を縫う。

ミシンでズボンを縫う。

[Space] を縫うように [Action]。

人混みを縫うように歩く。

[Wound] を [Number] 針縫う。

傷口を３針縫う。

[Time/Gap] の合間を縫って [Action]。

仕事の合間を縫って本を飲む。

[Noun] を縫い合わせる。

布と布を縫い合わせる。

[Abstract Noun] を縫う。

歴史の隙間を縫う。

[Concept] が縫い込まれている。

人生の悲哀が縫い込まれている。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

縫い物 (nuimono) - sewing/needlework

縫い目 (nuime) - stitch/seam

針縫い (harinui) - needlework

手縫い (tenui) - hand-sewing

Verben

縫い合わせる (nuiawaseru) - to sew together

縫い付ける (nuitsukeru) - to sew onto

縫い上げる (nuiageru) - to finish sewing

縫い込む (nuikomu) - to sew into

Verwandt

針 (hari) - needle

糸 (ito) - thread

布 (nuno) - cloth

裁縫 (saihou) - tailoring

ミシン (mishin) - sewing machine

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So verwendest du es

frequency

High in domestic, medical, and descriptive literary contexts.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'nuu' for knitting a scarf. → Maffuraa o amu.
'Nuu' is only for sewing with a needle and thread. Knitting is a different action ('amu').
Confusing 'nuu' with 'nuru' in the te-form. → Penki o nutte (painting) vs Fuku o nutte (sewing).
Both have the same te-form sound. You must use context or kanji to distinguish them.
Using the wrong particle for weaving through a crowd. → Hitogomi *o* nuu.
Learners often want to use 'ni' or 'de', but 'o' is used for the space you are moving through.
Saying 'nuu' for a simple walk. → Michi o aruku.
'Nuu' implies a zigzag or difficult path. Don't use it for a straight, easy walk.
Misspelling the kanji with the 'rice' radical. → 縫 (Thread radical).
Because it's about textiles, it must have the 'thread' (糸) radical.

Tipps

Verb Type

缝う is a Godan (Type 1) verb. Its conjugation follows the 'u' pattern: nu-wa-nai, nu-i-masu, nu-u, nu-e-ba, nu-o-u.

Compound Power

Learn 'nuiawaseru' (sew together) and 'nuitsukeru' (sew onto). These compounds are used more often than the simple 'nuu' in specific situations.

Te-form Ambiguity

Since 'nutte' can mean sewing or painting, always look at what the person is holding. A needle means 'nuu', a brush means 'nuru'.

Needle Respect

Remember 'Hari-kuyo' to understand why sewing is seen as a respectful, almost spiritual craft in Japan.

Metaphorical Flair

Use 'nuu' to describe your commute through a busy station to sound more like a native speaker.

Kanji Radical

The 'thread' radical (糸) is your clue. Any word with this radical usually relates to textiles or connection.

Stitch Count

In medical contexts, use the counter 'shin' (針) for stitches. 'San-shin nutta' means 'got three stitches'.

New Sewing

Associate 'nuu' with 'NEW'. You sew a 'NEW' dress.

Urban Wind

A very common literary use is describing wind 'weaving' between skyscrapers. Use this in creative writing.

Knitting vs Sewing

Never use 'nuu' for knitting. Knitting is 'amu'. This is a very common mistake for English speakers.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a **NEW** (nuu) needle threading through a crowd. You are using the **NEW** needle to **sew** a button.

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a needle moving up and down through fabric, and then transition that image to a person running in a zigzag pattern through a crowd of people.

Word Web

Needle Thread Cloth Stitches Crowd Traffic Surgeon Tailor

Herausforderung

Try to find three things in your house that were 'nuu'-ed. Then, describe your route to the store using 'nuu' if you had to weave through people.

Wortherkunft

The word 'nuu' is an indigenous Japanese word (Yamato kotoba). It has existed since ancient times in the Japanese language to describe the joining of skins or fabrics.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To join materials using a thin, pointed tool and a binding agent (thread).

Japonic

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'nuu' in a medical context can be graphic for some listeners.

In English, we use 'sew' for fabric and 'stitch' for wounds. Japanese uses 'nuu' for both, which can be a surprise for learners.

Hari-kuyo (Needle Mass/Memorial service) Traditional Kimono tailoring (Wafuku) Medical dramas like 'Doctor-X'

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At a Tailor/Clothing Store

ここを少し縫い直してください。
ボタンを縫い付けてもらえますか？
縫い目がほつれています。
手縫いでお願いします。

At a Hospital

何針縫う必要がありますか？
麻酔をしてから縫いますか？
縫ったところを濡らさないでください。
いつ抜糸しますか？

In a Crowded City

人混みを縫って進もう。
前の人を縫うように追い越した。
渋滞を縫って走るバイクに気をつけて。
隙間を縫って何とか間に合った。

Home/Hobbies

雑巾を縫うのを手伝って。
新しいミシンでスカートを縫った。
おばあちゃんに縫い物を教わる。
糸が切れて縫えない。

In Literature/News

歴史の合間を縫うエピソード。
ビル群を縫うように吹く風。
法の網を縫う脱税行為。
包囲網を縫って逃亡した。

Gesprächseinstiege

"自分で服を縫ったことがありますか？ (Have you ever sewed your own clothes?)"

"裁縫（さいほう）は得意ですか？ (Are you good at sewing?)"

"人混みを縫って歩くのは疲れませんか？ (Isn't it tiring to weave through crowds?)"

"怪我をして、傷を縫ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever been injured and had stitches?)"

"ミシンと手縫い、どちらが好きですか？ (Do you prefer sewing machines or hand-sewing?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、忙しい時間の合間を縫って何をしたか書いてください。 (Write about what you did today by weaving through your busy schedule.)

子供の頃、お母さんやおばあちゃんが何かを縫ってくれた思い出はありますか？ (Do you have memories of your mother or grandmother sewing something for you when you were a child?)

都会の混雑を縫うように歩く時、どんな気持ちになりますか？ (How do you feel when you walk weaving through urban congestion?)

もし自分で服を縫えるとしたら、どんな服を作りたいですか？ (If you could sew clothes yourself, what kind of clothes would you want to make?)

日本の「針供養」という文化についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the Japanese culture of 'Hari-kuyo'?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, for knitting with yarn and needles, you must use 'amu' (編む). 'Nuu' is strictly for sewing fabric with a needle and thread.

Yes, 'nuu' is the standard verb for medical sutures. Doctors and patients both use it. Example: 'Kizu o go-shin nutta' (I got five stitches).

'Nuu' is the general act of sewing. 'Nuitsukeru' specifically means to sew something *onto* something else, like a button or a patch.

You use 'juutai (traffic jam) o nuu' or 'kuruma no aida (between cars) o nuu'. It implies moving through gaps.

Yes, it is a very common B1-level word used in daily life, hobbies, medicine, and descriptive writing.

The te-form is 'nutte' (縫って). Note that it is the same sound as the te-form of 'nuru' (to paint).

Yes, metaphorically. You can 'nuiawaseru' (sew together) different plots or episodes to make a story.

Yes, 'nui' is the stem, and 'nuimono' (sewing) or 'nuime' (stitch) are common nouns.

It can be either. To specify, use 'te-nui' (hand) or 'mishin' (machine).

It is a transitive verb, so it usually takes 'o' for the object being sewed or the space being navigated.

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