結び
Meanings
ending; conclusion; closing part
Used for the final part of a speech, story, essay, ceremony, or other organized sequence. Often has a slightly written or structured feel compared with everyday 終わり.
At the conclusion of the speech, he expressed thanks to his family.
The ending of this story is very quiet.
Refers to a joining or connecting relationship between people, groups, places, or ideas. In many modern contexts 結びつき is a more explicit word for an ongoing bond.
This activity strengthens the connection between the school and the local community.
knot; knotting; tied part
Used for the knot or tied shape made by fastening a cord, sash, ribbon, or similar object.
The knot in the string came undone.
The knot of your obi is beautiful.
Food term for a rice ball, usually written むすび in this sense. The polite/common form おむすび and the synonym おにぎり are often more familiar in everyday speech.
See also: おむすび
I bought two salmon rice balls for lunch.
My grandmother made me a big rice ball.
Usage patterns
- 結びの言葉closing words (of a speech or letter)
He expressed his gratitude in the closing words of his speech.
- 〈人〉との結びが深いto have a deep bond with someone
Over the years, their bond became a deep one.
- 結びを固くするto tighten a knot
I tightened the knot on the rope before starting to climb.
- 結びを作るto make a rice ball
My mother makes a rice ball for me every morning.
- 結びに〈事〉を述べるto state something in the conclusion
The author states his own view in the conclusion.
- 結びをほどくto undo a knot
It took a while to undo the knot in the sash.
Expressions
- ゴルディアスの結び目Gordian knot