Spanish word

hilo

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈilo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounthread

Example

Necesito un hilo para coser el botón.

I need thread to sew on the button.

Illustration for hilo (thread)

More examples

Perdí el hilo durante la explicación y pedí que lo repitieran.

I lost the thread during the explanation and asked them to repeat it.

Core concept

A thin filament used for sewing and as a narrow cord that links things figuratively.

Common phrases

  • seguir el hilo

    follow the thread

  • perder el hilo

    lose the thread

  • hilo dental

    dental floss

Similar words

cuerda: Thick strong rope that secures heavy loads and supports climbing.
cordón: Thin lace or cord that tightens shoes or closes drawstrings.

Definition in Spanish

Denota un filamento fino o cordón delgado, usado tanto en costura como en sentido figurado.

Word origin

From Latin filum meaning 'thread', with the inherited initial f becoming h in Spanish and cognates in Italian filo and English filament.

Usage tips

  • In Spanish the h is silent, so hilo is pronounced 'EE-lo' not 'HI-lo', and it commonly appears in phrases like 'perder el hilo' to mean losing the thread of a conversation.

Other meanings

  • forum threadnoun
  • linenoun

Related words

  • hilarstring togetherverb
  • hilerarownoun

Word lists with this word