蝶結(ちょうむす)び

ちょうむすび
noun
bowknot; bow tie; butterfly knot
daily-life
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(くつひも)を蝶結(ちょうむす)びにする。
To tie shoelaces in a bow.
プレゼントのリボンを蝶結(ちょうむす)びにした。
I tied the present's ribbon in a bow.
Teaching a child how to tie a bowknot is surprisingly difficult.

Usage

Also called 蝶々結(ちょうちょむす)び (butterfly bow). In Japanese gift-giving culture, the type of knot used on 熨斗(のし) (gift wrapping) carries meaning: a 蝶結(ちょうむす)び is used for joyous occasions that can be repeated (birthdays, promotions), while a 結(むす)び切(き)り (square knot) is used for one-time events (weddings, funerals).

Common collocations

  • 蝶結(ちょうむす)びにする (to tie in a bow)
  • 蝶結(ちょうむす)びを解(ほど)く (to untie a bow)

Similar words

  • 結(むす)び切(き)り: square knot — used for occasions that should not be repeated
  • 片結(かたむす)び: single knot — a simple overhand knot

Related Words