紐
himo[çimo̞]
The Japanese word for "string" is 紐 (himo).
紐 refers to a long, thin structure made from twisted threads. It is used for items like shoelaces, drawstrings or cords used to tie objects together.
Meaning: long, thin structure made from twisted threads (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 紐 refers to a thicker string or cord, 糸 is used for thinner thread used in sewing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix 状 can be added to 紐 to describe something that is string-shaped or cord-like.
How do you pronounce it?
himo
Did you know?
- The phrase 紐を解く can mean 'to untie a string' or 'to solve a mystery'. It describes the act of unraveling a complex problem as if it were a knotted cord.
- Japanese has a specific expression 紐付ける (himotsukeru), which means to link or associate two pieces of data or ideas. In computing, this is the standard term for 'binding' or 'linking' a file.
- In many Japanese household contexts, the specific type of 'string' used for traditional gift wrapping is often a specialized silk cord called 水引 (mizuhiki), which follows much stricter etiquette than a standard 紐.
Examples in context
- 彼は衣服を紐で束ねた。He bound the clothes together with a string.This sentence demonstrates using 紐 to bind clothes.Tatoeba #796480 by arihato, translation #890402 by Scott
- 彼女はその小包にしっかりと紐をかけた。She tied up the parcel with string.This sentence shows using 紐 to tie a parcel.Tatoeba #92411 by bunbuku, translation #311300 by CK
- 紐で縛るTo bind with stringThis sentence provides a phrase for binding something with 紐.
- 私は洋服を縫うために糸を使います。I use string/thread to sew clothes.
- 彼はギターのストリングを張り替えました。He replaced the guitar strings.
- バルーンを結ぶのに、糸を使ってください。Please use a string to tie the balloons.
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are cleaning up a craft room.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの紐はどこに捨てればいい？Kono himo wa doko ni sutereba ii?Where should I throw away this string?
- 結衣 Yuiその紐はまだ使えるから、箱に入れてね。Sono himo wa mada tsukaeru kara, hako ni irete ne.That string is still usable, so put it in the box.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。じゃあ、これを箱に入れるね。Wakatta. Jaa, kore o hako ni ireru ne.Got it. Then, I'll put this in the box.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、大翔くん。Arigatou, Hiroto-kun.Thanks, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “string” translations and entries 紐, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
