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.
Please tie your shoelaces.
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
The standard word for necktie. Used in all contexts.
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.
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.
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."
Can you tie this ribbon?
He tied the rope to the tree.
犯人は手足を縛られた。
The criminal was tied hand and foot.
Tie up newspapers with string.
Tie the boat to the shore.
He is wearing a blue tie.
Put on a tie.
Noun meaning same score/points. Used in sports, games, etc.
The game ended in a tie.
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.
The match ended in a draw.
Loanword from English, used in sports contexts to mean a tie score.
The score is tied.
Family ties are important.
They are bound by strong ties.
General word for relationship or connection. Can be used for personal, business, or diplomatic ties.
The two countries have close ties.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I'm tied up at the moment.
The two teams tied.
Loanword version, common in sports commentary.
The game became tied.
Means "to line up" or "to be equal." Used when scores or records are tied.
He tied the world record.
The election ended in a tie.
For elections, 同数 (どうすう) might be used if referring to vote counts.
I have close ties with that company.