Japanese word

糸

Pronunciation

Romajiito

Meaning

  • nounthread

Example

糸でボタンを付けます。ito de bo ta n o tsu ke ma su

I sew on a button with thread.

Illustration for 糸 (thread)

More examples

この糸は丈夫なので、何度洗っても切れません。ko no ito wa jō bu na no de nan do ara tte mo ki re ma se n

This thread is strong, so it does not break even after many washes.

Core concept

Presents a thin strand as a means of holding parts together or building a larger form.

Common phrases

  • 針に糸を通すhari ni ito o tō su

    thread a needle

  • 糸を結ぶito o musu bu

    tie a knot in the thread

  • 糸が絡まるito ga kara ma ru

    get tangled

  • 糸を切るito o ki ru

    cut the thread

Similar words

紐himo: A narrow cord or strip used to tie, bind, or secure something.
毛糸keito: Yarn made from wool or similar fibers and used for knitting or crocheting.
縄nawa: A thick cord made from twisted strands and used for heavy tying or pulling.

Definition in Japanese

細い繊維をより合わせて作り、縫製や織物などに使う長いもの。hoso i sen i o yo ri a wa se te tsuku ri hō sei ya ori mono na do ni tsuka u naga i mo no

Word origin

The native Japanese word 糸 (ito, "thread") has been used since Old Japanese for a strand of fiber, especially one used in sewing and weaving.

Usage tips

  • English distinguishes thread from string by typical use and thickness, while Japanese 糸 (ito, "thread") can refer to a wider range of thin strands, including sewing thread and yarn.

Other meanings

  • yarnnoun
  • stringnoun

Word lists with this word