Translation guide
The English word "tie" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: fastening with string, a necktie, equal scores, connections between people, and being busy. It also warns about direct translations that don't work.
To secure something using string, rope, shoelaces, etc.
tie your shoelaces · tie a knot · tie the package with string
General verb for tying, fastening, or connecting with string/rope. Used for shoelaces, knots, packages, etc.
靴ひもを結んでください。
Please tie your shoelaces.
彼はロープを木に結んだ。
He tied the rope to the tree.
To tie up or bind tightly, often with a focus on restricting movement. Used for tying someone's hands, tying a bundle, etc.
To tie or bind, often used for tying something to something else, like tying a boat to a pier. Less common in daily conversation.
A long piece of cloth worn around the neck, typically by men.
wear a tie · silk tie · tie and suit
A situation in a game or competition where two or more participants have the same score.
The game ended in a tie. · break a tie · tie score
A link or bond between people, groups, or things.
family ties · close ties · ties between the two countries
Emotional bonds or ties between people, such as family, friends, or community. Often implies a deep, lasting connection.
To be unable to do something because you are busy or occupied with something else.
I'm tied up all day. · She's tied up in a meeting.
To achieve the same score or result as someone else.
They tied for first place. · He tied the record.
Verb phrase meaning "to become tied" or "to tie." Used when scores become equal.
両チームは同点になった。
The two teams tied.
While 結ぶ means "to tie," it is not used for putting on a necktie. Use ネクタイを締める (しめる) or ネクタイをする.
ネクタイを締める。
Put on a tie.
結ぶ is general tying (shoelaces, knots, ribbons). 縛る implies binding tightly, often to restrict movement (tying someone up, tying a bundle).
The idiom "tie the knot" is not directly translated. Use 結婚する (けっこんする) for "get married."
このリボンを結んでくれますか？
Can you tie this ribbon?
選挙は同点で終わった。
The election ended in a tie.
For elections, 同数 (どうすう) might be used if referring to vote counts.
あの会社とは緊密な関係があります。
I have close ties with that company.
The criminal was tied hand and foot.
新聞をひもで縛る。
Tie up newspapers with string.
Tie the boat to the shore.
The standard word for necktie. Used in all contexts.
彼は青いネクタイをしている。
He is wearing a blue tie.
ネクタイを締める。
Put on a tie.
Noun meaning same score/points. Used in sports, games, etc.
試合は同点で終わった。
The game ended in a tie.
同点の場合は延長戦を行う。
In case of a tie, we will play extra time.
Noun meaning a draw or tie, often used when a game ends without a winner. Slightly more common in contexts like chess or soccer.
その試合は引き分けに終わった。
The match ended in a draw.
Loanword from English, used in sports contexts to mean a tie score.
スコアはタイだ。
The score is tied.
家族の絆は大切だ。
Family ties are important.
彼らは強い絆で結ばれている。
They are bound by strong ties.
General word for relationship or connection. Can be used for personal, business, or diplomatic ties.
両国は緊密な関係にある。
The two countries have close ties.
彼とは仕事上の関係だけだ。
I only have a business relationship with him.
Connection or link, often emphasizing the state of being connected. Can be used for personal connections or network ties.
人との繋がりを大切にする。
I value ties with people.
Literally "can't let go of one's hands," meaning you are too busy to do anything else. Very common and natural.
今手が離せないので、後で電話します。
I'm tied up right now, so I'll call you later.
Simply means "busy." Not a direct translation of "tied up," but conveys the same idea in many contexts.
今日は一日中忙しい。
I'm tied up all day today.
Means "in the middle of something" or "busy." Often used in business settings to indicate someone is occupied.
ただいま取り込み中です。
I'm tied up at the moment.
Loanword version, common in sports commentary.
試合はタイになった。
The game became tied.
Means "to line up" or "to be equal." Used when scores or records are tied.
彼は世界記録に並んだ。
He tied the world record.