1.
bowknot; bow tie; butterfly knot
A decorative knot shaped like a butterfly's wings, commonly used for shoelaces, gift wrapping, and ceremonial ribbons. Named for its resemblance to a butterfly.
靴紐を蝶結びにする。
To tie shoelaces in a bow.
プレゼントのリボンを蝶結びにした。
I tied the present's ribbon in a bow.
子どもに蝶結びのやり方を教えるのは意外と難しい。
Teaching a child how to tie a bowknot is surprisingly difficult.
USAGE:
Also called 蝶々結び (butterfly bow). In Japanese gift-giving culture, the type of knot used on 熨斗 (gift wrapping) carries meaning: a 蝶結び is used for joyous occasions that can be repeated (birthdays, promotions), while a 結び切り (square knot) is used for one-time events (weddings, funerals).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 蝶結びにする (to tie in a bow)
- 蝶結びを解く (to untie a bow)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 結び切り: square knot — used for occasions that should not be repeated
- 片結び: single knot — a simple overhand knot