How to say "cord" in Japanese

• ひもJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe everyday word for a thin, flexible cord or string used to tie or fasten things, such as a drawstring or parcel string. Usually the word you want for ordinary cords; typically written in kana.
  何なんかを記録きろくするために、彼かれらはラマかアルパカの毛糸けいとでできた、結び目むすびめのついたひもを使つかった。↗

  To record something, they used knotted cords made of the wool of the llama or alpaca.
• 綱つなJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounA thick, strong rope or line rather than an ordinary cord; think of the heavy ropes used for pulling or towing. Too heavy-duty for small cords, and better for rope-like things.
  綱つなは張はりすぎて切きれた。↗

  The rope broke under the strain.
• 縄なわJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounRope, especially twisted or traditional Japanese rope, more than a thin cord. For a general 'cord' it is usually not the word you want; it is really 'rope'.
  彼かれは縄なわで木きに縛り付しばりつけられた。↗

  He was tied to the tree with a rope.
• 緒おCommon
  nounA cord, strap, or thong; often used of the strings or cords attached to garments and instruments. A narrower, more literary-feeling choice than ひも for everyday thin cords.
  勝かって兜かぶとの緒おを締しめよ。↗

  You must keep up your guard even after a victory.
• 畝うねCommon
  nounNot a physical cord at all; it means a rib or ridge, as in corduroy cloth or ridges of mountains and sea. Seldom the word you want for an actual 'cord'.

For everyday thin cords use 「ひも」; thicker rope-like cords are つな or なわ; 緒 covers straps and thongs; and 畝 is only for ribbed textures such as corduroy.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• ひもstring
• 綱つなrope
• 縄なわrope
• 緒おcord
• コードcord
• 索さくrope
• 脈理みゃくりcord
• 吊り紐つりひもcord (esp. for suspending something)
• 腱索けんさくcord
• 火縄ひなわfuse
• 畝うねrib (cloth, mountains, sea)