hilo
/ˈilo/masculine
The English word thread translates to Spanish as hilo. If unsure, use hilo. Wiktionary also lists bouclé (buclé) and buclé.
Meaning: long, thin and flexible form of material (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hilo | /ˈilo/ | masculine |
| bouclé (buclé) | masculine | |
| buclé | /bukle/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| hilaracha | /ilaɾat͡ʃa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, rare |
| filástica | /filastika/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| madeja | /maˈdexa/ | feminine |
The primary term for a long, thin and flexible material is hilo. You can specify sewing thread by adding de costura to the term. Just like in English, hilo is also used metaphorically to describe a storyline or a sequence of ideas. If you are looking for the verb meaning to pass a thread through the eye of a needle, use enhebrar, enjaretar or enhilar. To express the idea of making one's way through or between something, you can use pasar.
Which one should you use?
While hilo refers to the thread itself, madeja refers to a skein or a large coiled bundle of thread or yarn.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun hilo is masculine, and its plural form is hilos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈilo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word hilo is actually a close relative of the English word 'file', as both share a common ancestor in the Latin word 'filum'.
- The word hilo is also used to describe a very thin stream of liquid, such as a 'thread' of honey or oil.
- In Spanish, the word hilo is used in the common phrase perder el hilo, which means to lose one's train of thought.
Examples in context
- No hay hilo rojo.There's no red thread.This sentence uses hilo to describe a red thread.Tatoeba #7248384 by gianich73, translation #1310724 by Eldad
- Su vida pende de un hilo.His life is hanging by a thread.This sentence uses hilo in the metaphorical expression of a life hanging by a thread.Tatoeba #1396265 by marcelostockle, translation #1079065 by keira_n
- Tu empleo pende de un hilo.Your job hangs by a thread.This sentence uses hilo in the metaphorical expression of a job hanging by a thread.Tatoeba #2043490 by marcelostockle, translation #70575 by rul
- Por favor, ¿me puede pasar un hilo y una aguja?Could you please pass me a thread and a needle?
- Asegúrate de que la rosca esté bien ajustadaMake sure the thread is tightly fastened.
- Voy a atar los regalos con un cordel de coloresI'm going to tie the gifts with a colorful thread.
- Me gusta coser con hilos de diferentes colores. Siempre tengo varios rollosI like to sew with threads of different colors. I always have several spools.
- Necesito hilo quirúrgico para la operaciónI need surgical thread for the operation.
- Necesito hilo de color azul marinoI need navy blue thread.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is asking Lucía for help with a sewing project.
- DanielLucía, ¿tienes hilo blanco para coser esto?Lucía, do you have white thread to sew this?
- LucíaSí, tengo un carrete de hilo en el cajón.Yes, I have a spool of thread in the drawer.
- DanielGracias, el hilo se terminó justo ahora.Thanks, the thread just ran out.
- LucíaToma, aquí tienes el hilo que necesitas, Daniel.Here, here is the thread you need, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thread” translations and entries hilo, madeja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hilo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
