紐

• Reading: ひも
• Romaji: himo
• Kanji breakdown: 紐 (chuu/himo) — string, cord
• Pronunciation: /çi.mo/

Meaning

String; cord; a thin rope or lace used for tying or binding.

A noun for any thin, flexible cord used for tying, binding, or fastening. Includes shoelaces (靴紐 kutsuhimo), drawstrings, and decorative cords. Key expressions: 紐を結ぶ (himo wo musubu, to tie a string), 紐を解く (himo wo hodoku, to untie a string). Distinct from ロープ (rope, which is thicker) and 糸 (ito, thread, which is thinner).

Examples

1. 靴の紐がほどけたので結び直した。 My shoelace came untied, so I retied it.
2. プレゼントの箱を紐できれいに結んだ。 I neatly tied a string around the gift box.
3. この袋は紐を引っ張ると閉まる仕組みだ。 This bag has a mechanism where pulling the string closes it.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, crafts, clothing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 紐 combines 糸 (thread) and 丑 (ox/twist), suggesting twisted threads forming a cord or string.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal