Translation guide
The English word 'spool' can refer to a cylindrical object for winding thread, film, or wire, or to the act of winding material onto such an object. It can also refer to a temporary storage area in computing. This guide covers the most common physical meanings and related actions.
Referring to a cylindrical object around which something is wound, such as thread, wire, or film.
Please wind the thread onto this spool.
The film spool broke.
Literally 'thread winder', this is a common native Japanese word for a spool used for thread. It is more specific to sewing contexts.
There are many old spools in my grandmother's sewing box.
Often used for smaller spools inside sewing machines or for thread. It can also refer to bobbins in other machinery.
Wind thread onto the sewing machine bobbin.
Typically used for fishing reels or film reels, but can sometimes refer to a spool for wire or cable. It implies a larger or more mechanical spool.
Wind the cable onto the reel.
The act of winding something (thread, wire, etc.) onto a spool or similar object.
The most straightforward way to express 'to spool' using the loanword. It means 'to wind onto a spool'.
Please spool the wire.
A general verb meaning 'to wind up' or 'to take up by winding'. It can be used without specifying the object if context is clear.
The simple verb 'to wind'. It can be used when the spool is implied or when the focus is on the winding action itself.
Referring to a buffer or temporary storage area where data is held before processing, especially in printing.
The same loanword is used in computing contexts. It is understood as the spool area or the act of spooling data.
The print job is stored in the spool.
The gerund form used as a noun to refer to the process of spooling. Common in technical documentation.
スプール is the most general and can be used for thread, wire, film, etc. リール is typically larger and used for fishing line, film, or cables. ボビン is often smaller and specifically for sewing machines or thread. Choose based on the size and context.
fishing reel
sewing machine bobbin
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to spool'. Use phrases like スプールに巻く or 巻き取る instead. Simply saying スプールする is not standard and may sound unnatural.
釣り糸をリールに巻き取る。
Spool the fishing line onto the reel.
Wind the thread (onto a spool).
The spooling function is not working properly.