糸(いと)

いと
noun
thread; string; yarn
daily-life
1. thread, string
A thin strand of fiber used for sewing or weaving.
糸(いと)が切(き)れた。
The thread broke.
針(はり)に糸(いと)を通(とお)す。
To thread a needle.
Common collocation
赤(あか)い糸(いと)で二人(ふたり)は結(むす)ばれていると言(い)われている。
It's said that the two are connected by a red thread of fate.
Cultural reference to fate connecting lovers
2. string (of instrument)
The strings on a musical instrument.
琴(こと)の糸(いと)が切(き)れた。
The koto string broke.
三味線(しゃみせん)の糸(いと)を張(は)り替(か)える。
To restring a shamisen.
三味線(しゃみせん)の糸(いと)は絹(きぬ)でできている。
Shamisen strings are made of silk.

糸(いと) means 'thread' or 'string.'

Counter: 本(ほん)

Common compounds

Cultural note: 赤(あか)い糸(いと) (red thread) refers to the Japanese/Chinese legend that an invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, especially romantic partners.

Related words

Related Words

Related: 裁縫(さいほう) (sewing, needlework)
Related: ミシン (sewing machine)
Related: 縫(ぬ)い目(め) (seam)
Related: 三味線(しゃみせん) (shamisen)
Related: けん玉(だま) (kendama, cup-and-ball toy)
general
Added 2026.1.8 21:43 · Revised 2026.10.14 11:08
01000/01315_ito