麻

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The single-kanji noun 麻, read あさ, means hemp as a plant and the textile fiber obtained from it.
• Basic usage: Harvested fiber may be dried to make strong thread, or thin hemp cloth may be used as a window decoration.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The hemp plant and its fiber
  • It appears when fiber is taken from harvested hemp to make thread or when cloth woven from that fiber is used. Context distinguishes the plant, fiber, and finished material.