絹(きぬ)

絹(きぬ) refers to silk, the luxurious natural fiber produced by silkworms.

Common expressions

• 絹(きぬ)の着物(きもの): silk kimono
• 絹(きぬ)のような: silk-like, silky
• 絹(きぬ)の肌触(はだざわ)り: silky texture

Compounds

• 絹(きぬ)糸(いと): silk thread
• 絹(きぬ)織物(おりもの): silk fabric/textile
• 生糸(きいと): raw silk
• 絹(きぬ)豆腐(とうふ): silken tofu (smooth variety)

Cultural note

Japan has a long history of silk production (養蚕(ようさん)). Traditional Japanese clothing, especially formal 着物(きもの), often uses silk. The Tomioka Silk Mill (富岡製糸場(とみおかせいしじょう)) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.