和 裁(わさい)

わさい

noun

Japanese-style sewing; making Japanese garments

1. Japanese-style sewing; making Japanese garments

The traditional craft of sewing Japanese clothing such as kimono, yukata, and other traditional garments. Uses techniques distinct from Western dressmaking.

和裁(わさい)を習(なら)っている。

I am learning Japanese-style sewing.

祖母(そぼ)は和裁(わさい)の技術(ぎじゅつ)を持(も)っている。

My grandmother has Japanese sewing skills.

和裁(わさい)の職人(しょくにん)は年々(ねんねん)減少(げんしょう)しており、技術(ぎじゅつ)の継承(けいしょう)が課題(かだい)となっている。

The number of Japanese sewing artisans is declining year by year, and passing on the techniques has become a challenge.

A compound of 和(わ) (Japanese) and 裁(さい) (cutting/sewing). Contrasted with 洋裁(ようさい) (Western-style dressmaking). Japanese sewing uses different techniques — kimono are sewn entirely by hand with straight seams, and the fabric can be taken apart and resewn.

Common collocations

和裁(わさい)を習(なら)う: to learn Japanese sewing
和裁(わさい)教室(きょうしつ): Japanese sewing class
和裁(わさい)士(し): certified Japanese sewing professional
和裁(わさい)の技術(ぎじゅつ): Japanese sewing techniques

Similar words

洋裁(ようさい): Western-style dressmaking — cutting and sewing Western clothing
裁縫(さいほう): sewing — general term for all sewing
仕立(した)て: tailoring — making garments to order

Related Words

Compare: 洋裁(ようさい) (Western-style dressmaking)

Compare: 裁縫(さいほう) (sewing)

Compare: 仕立(した)て (tailoring)

Related: 仕立屋(したてや) (tailor)

general

Added 2026.3.31 2:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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