ひも (himo) Japanese meaning: string

ひも (himo) Japanese meaning: string | Kotomora

Kanji

紐string, cord, braid

Related words· 8

糸いとN4sense 1
糸 is fine sewing thread, while 紐 is a somewhat thicker cord used for tying or fastening.
ロープN1sense 1
ロープ is a thick, sturdy rope for heavy-duty use, while 紐 is a thin, flexible string or cord.
綱つなN2sense 1
綱 is a thick, heavy rope or cable, much stronger than the thin 紐.
燕つばめN1
若い燕 specifically means a younger man kept by an older woman, while ヒモ refers more broadly to any man financially supported by a woman regardless of age difference.

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緒お
紐 is the general word for any string, cord, or lace, while 緒 usually refers to a specific functional strap attached to something like sandals or a pouch.
リボンN2
紐 is a generic cord or string used for tying anything, while リボン specifically refers to a decorative fabric strip.
縄なわN3
紐 is a thinner string or cord used for tying small things, while 縄 is thicker and sturdier, used for binding larger objects or marking areas.
帯おびN3
帯 refers to a wide band or sash, whereas 紐 is a thin cord or string used for tying things.

Counted with

束たばN3
For bundles tied together — letters, flowers, straw, hair.
本ほんN5
For long, thin objects (sticks, stems, wires, bottles); also 'pieces' like films, articles, and phone calls.
筋すじN2
For long streak-like things — threads, rivers, roads, trails of light or tears (一筋の光).

Word family· 43

紐ひも解とく
open a book to read; read a book · unravel a mystery; discover the truth
組くみ紐ひも
braided cord; braid
上うわ紐ひも
outside string; outer tie
下した紐ひも
undersash; belt

Written forms

ひもUsage34%
Usually written in kana; the kanji 紐 is also common but kana is preferred in many contexts.
紐ひもUsage48%
Kanji spelling, common in formal or written contexts.
ヒモUsage18%
kana-only spelling
Katakana spelling is especially common for the colloquial sense of a financially dependent man.

Etymology

Native Japanese word. The kanji 紐 is a phono-semantic compound with 糸 (thread) and 丑 (phonetic component). The colloquial sense of a kept man likely derives from the idea of being 'tied' to a woman financially.

ひも

Meanings

Usage patterns

Expressions