Translation and Meaning of: 織 - ori

The Japanese word 織[おり] carries deep meanings and cultural connections that go beyond its literal translation. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japan. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about this word, you will find valuable information here to understand its context and application.

In addition to unveiling what 織[おり] represents, let's talk about its writing in kanji, its frequency in the Japanese language, and tips for memorizing it efficiently. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, has gathered everything you need to know about this word in one place.

Meaning and use of 織[おり]

織[おり] means "to weave" or "to tear," referring to the act of interlacing threads to create fabrics. In Japan, this word is closely linked to textile tradition, especially in crafts like nishijin-ori, a luxurious fabric produced in Kyoto. Its usage goes beyond the literal sense, appearing in expressions like kiji o oru (to weave an article), which indicates the careful construction of a text.

In modern contexts, 織[おり] can also be used metaphorically to describe the creation of relationships or stories. For example, the expression kizuna o oru (weaving bonds) illustrates how the word transcends its material meaning, representing human connections. This versatility makes it found in literature, everyday conversations, and even in place names.

Origin and writing of the kanji 織

The kanji 織 consists of the radical 糸 (ito – thread) and 戠 (shoku – weave), suggesting a connection to the creation of patterns from threads. Its origin dates back to ancient China, where weaving was an essential activity. In Japan, this character was incorporated into the writing system and gained its own nuances, especially in cultural and artisanal terms.

One useful tip for memorizing this kanji is to associate the radical 糸 with the idea of intertwined threads, while the rest of the character reinforces the action of weaving. Japanese students often encounter it in words like 織物[おりもの] (fabric) and 組織[そしき] (organization), demonstrating its application in different contexts.

Cultural curiosities and significance

The art of weaving in Japan has deep historical roots, and 織[おり] is at the center of this tradition. Techniques such as tsumugi-ori and kasuri are globally recognized for their precision and beauty. Many regions of the country still maintain workshops where master craftsmen produce fabrics using ancestral methods, preserving a legacy that dates back centuries.

Furthermore, the word appears in street names, shops, and even in the titles of literary works, reinforcing its importance in Japanese culture. If you visit cities like Kyoto or Okinawa, you will notice how weaving is still a living part of the local identity, making 織[おり] a word full of meaning and history.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 編み込み (Amikomi) - Woven through intertwining.
• 編む (Amu) - Weave, intertwine.
• 織り (Ori) - Weaving, the act of weaving.
• 織物 (Orimono) - Fabric, woven material.
• 織り方 (Orikata) - Weaving method.
• 織り目 (Orime) - Fabric pattern, texture when weaving.
• 織機 (Oki) - Weaving machine, loom.
• 織工 (Orikou) - Craftsman or textile worker.
• 織り手 (Orite) - Weaver.
• 織り糸 (Oriito) - Thread used for weaving.
• 織り出す (Oridasu) - Start weaving; produce fabric.
• 織り上げる (Oriageru) - To complete the act of weaving.
• 織り込む (Orikomu) - Integration of threads or patterns in weaving.
• 織り成す (Orinasu) - Create a fabric, forming a pattern.
• 織り合わせる (Oriawaseru) - Combining different threads or patterns while weaving.
• 織り継ぐ (Oritsugi) - Continue weaving, progress on the fabric work.
• 織り続ける (Oritsuzukeru) - Continue the act of weaving.
• 織り紙 (Origami) - Woven paper, paper made through weaving.
• 織り模様 (Orimoyou) - Fabric pattern, design on the material.
• 織り柄 (Origara) - Print or pattern on the fabric.

織

Romaji: ori
Kana: おり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to weave; weaving; fabric item

Meaning in English: weave;weaving;woven item

Definition: To make crossing fabrics or materials.

Example Sentences - (織) ori

See below some example sentences:

この組織は強力な力を持っています。

Kono soshiki wa kyōryoku na chikara o motteimasu

This organization has a powerful force.

This organization has powerful power.

• この - this
• 組織 - organization
• は - Topic particle
• 強力な - strong, powerful
• 力 - strength
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

この織物は美しいですね。

Kono orimono wa utsukushii desu ne

This weaving is beautiful

This textile is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun indicating proximity, in this case "this"
• 織物 - noun meaning "fabric"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "the fabric"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation, in this case, "isn't it?"

国連は世界平和と安全を促進するための重要な組織です。

Kokuren wa sekai heiwa to anzen o sokushin suru tame no juuyou na soshiki desu

The United Nations is an important organization for promoting world peace and security.

• 国連 (Kokuren) - 国際連合 (こくさいれんごう)
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 世界 (sekai) - world
• 平和 (heiwa) - peace
• と (to) - grammatical particle that connects words or phrases with the same meaning
• 安全 (anzen) - security
• を (wo) - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 促進する (sokushin suru) - promote, encourage
• ための (tame no) - expression indicating the purpose of something
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 組織 (soshiki) - organization
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form