1.
cord; string; thong; strap
A cord, string, or strap used to attach, tie, or fasten something. Commonly refers to the thong of a sandal or the chin strap of a hat.
下駄の緒が切れた。
The thong of my wooden sandal broke.
草履の緒を付け替える。
I'll replace the strap on my zori sandals.
帽子の緒を顎の下で結んだ。
I tied the chin strap of the hat under my chin.
An old and fundamental Japanese word for a cord or strap used to fasten things. Most commonly encountered in connection with traditional Japanese footwear.
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 鼻緒: the thong/strap of a sandal (geta, zori, etc.)
- 帯緒: a cord used to secure an obi
- 手綱: reins (literally "hand cord")
USAGE:
- In modern Japanese, 緒 as a standalone word is somewhat literary or traditional
- The compound 鼻緒 is the most common modern usage
- Also appears in the set expression 戦の緒に就く — to enter battle
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 緒が切れる: a strap breaks
- 緒を結ぶ: to tie a cord
- 緒を付ける: to attach a strap
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 紐: string, cord — the general everyday word for any cord or string
- 鼻緒: sandal thong — the most common compound using 緒
- 帯: sash, belt — worn around the waist with kimono