Translation guide
A bow tie is a type of necktie tied in a bow. In Japanese, the most common word is 蝶ネクタイ (chou nekutai), literally 'butterfly necktie'. There are also specific terms for pre-tied vs. self-tie styles, and the English loanword ボウタイ (bou tai) is sometimes used.
The most common, everyday word for a bow tie, regardless of style.
The standard Japanese word for 'bow tie'. Literally 'butterfly necktie'. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
He is wearing a bow tie.
Please wear a bow tie to the wedding.
Loanword from English 'bow tie'. Less common than 蝶ネクタイ, but understood. Often used in fashion contexts.
This bow tie is made of silk.
A bow tie that is already tied and attached with a clip or adjustable band.
Clip-on bow tie. The most common type for children or rental tuxedos.
I bought a clip-on bow tie for my child.
Adjustable bow tie with a band that can be resized. Often pre-tied.
A bow tie that you tie yourself, like a regular necktie.
Literally 'tie-type bow tie'. Used to distinguish from pre-tied versions.
A genuine bow tie is the self-tie type.
From 'self-tie'. Used in fashion retail to specify a bow tie that requires tying.
Please teach me how to tie a self-tie bow tie.
The pasta shape resembling a bow tie, known as farfalle in Italian.
蝶ネクタイ is the default, natural word in almost all situations. ボウタイ is a loanword that may sound slightly more fashionable or Western, but it is less common. Stick with 蝶ネクタイ unless you are in a very specific fashion context.
蝶ネクタイ specifically means 'bow tie', while ネクタイ means 'necktie' (the long, straight kind). Do not confuse them. If you just say ネクタイ, people will assume a regular tie.
An adjustable bow tie makes size adjustment easy.