麻(あさ)

あさ

noun

hemp; linen

1. hemp; flax; linen

A plant fiber used to make cloth, rope, and thread, or the cool, breathable fabric woven from it. Covers hemp, flax, and similar bast fibers.

麻(あさ)のシャツは涼(すず)しい。

Hemp shirts are cool.

この袋(ふくろ)は丈夫(じょうぶ)な麻(あさ)でできている。

This bag is made of sturdy hemp.

夏(なつ)は汗(あせ)を吸(す)いやすい麻(あさ)の服(ふく)が気持(きも)ちいい。

In summer, linen clothes that absorb sweat well feel pleasant.

Refers both to the plant fiber and to the fabric made from it. Japanese 麻(あさ) is a broad term covering hemp, flax (linen), ramie, and similar fibers, so the precise English equivalent depends on context.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

麻(あさ)の服(ふく): linen clothes
麻(あさ)の布(ぬの): hemp cloth
麻糸(あさいと): hemp thread

NOTE:
麻(あさ) fabric is valued in summer for being light and breathable. Distinct from 綿(めん) (cotton) and 絹(きぬ) (silk).

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Added 2026.5.17 13:06

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