袖

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 袖, read そで, and it is a noun for the part of a garment that covers the arm.
• Basic usage: 袖 means the sleeve extending from the body of a shirt, jacket, or other garment around the arm.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Sleeves folded before wet work and a sleeve being repaired
  • Both examples use the form 袖. Long sleeves are rolled up before work involving water, while a small button is sewn back onto a jacket sleeve.
• Preparation for work involving water and reattaching a jacket button
  • 長い袖を折って水仕事を始めた。 — I rolled up my long sleeves before starting work involving water.
  • 上着の袖に小さなボタンを付け直した。 — I sewed a small button back onto my jacket sleeve.