Translation guide
The English word 'lace' can refer to a delicate fabric, a cord for fastening shoes or clothing, or the action of adding a small amount of something (like alcohol) to food or drink. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Delicate openwork fabric used for clothing, curtains, etc.
A cord or string used to fasten shoes or clothing.
The standard word for shoelace.
To add a small amount of a substance, especially alcohol, to food or drink.
A general phrase meaning 'to add a small amount of ~'. Use with the ingredient.
While レース (rēsu) is the standard word for lace fabric, it is not used for shoelaces. Use 靴ひも (kutsuhimo) instead.
This dress is made of lace.
I want lace curtains.
Specifically refers to lace knitting or crochet, the craft of making lace.
My grandmother is good at lace knitting.
靴ひもがほどけた。
My shoelace came undone.
I need to buy new shoelaces.
A general word for string, cord, or lace. Can be used for clothing laces, but '靴ひも' is more specific for shoes.
The lace on this hoodie broke.
I laced the coffee with a small amount of brandy.
A suffix meaning 'containing ~' or 'with ~ added'. Often used in menus or product descriptions.
A cake laced with rum
Means 'to mix'. Can be used when the lacing involves mixing an ingredient into something.
I laced the dough with spices.