緒(お)

お
noun
cord; string; thong; strap
tool
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(げた)の緒(お)が切(き)れた。
The thong of my wooden sandal broke.
草履(ぞうり)の緒(お)を付(つ)け替(か)える。
I'll replace the strap on my zori sandals.
帽子(ぼうし)の緒(お)を顎(あご)の下(した)で結(むす)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.

Compounds

  • 鼻緒(はなお): the thong/strap of a sandal (geta, zori, etc.)
  • 帯緒(おびお): a cord used to secure an obi
  • 手綱(たづな): reins (literally "hand cord")

Usage

  • In modern Japanese, 緒(お) as a standalone word is somewhat literary or traditional
  • The compound 鼻緒(はなお) is the most common modern usage
  • Also appears in the set expression 戦(いくさ)の緒(お)に就(つ)く — to enter battle

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 紐(ひも): string, cord — the general everyday word for any cord or string
  • 鼻緒(はなお): sandal thong — the most common compound using 緒(お)
  • 帯(おび): sash, belt — worn around the waist with kimono

Related Words

Compare: 紐(ひも) (string, cord)
Compare: 帯(おび) (sash, belt)
general
Added 2026.4.23 23:48 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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