How to say "fray" in Japanese

• ほつれ
  nounThe noun sense: a fray or frayed spot where fabric, thread, or the like has come apart at the edge. Use it when pointing to or describing such a damaged place, as on a worn hem or seam.
• そそける
  ichidan verb, intransitive verbA verb covering the sense of fabric or hair fraying, becoming fuzzy, fluffy, or nappy. Note that it is less common, and for hair especially it really describes becoming fuzzy or nappy rather than fraying in the cloth sense.

Use 「ほつれ」 for the noun sense of a frayed spot on fabric or rope; 「そそける」 is a verb covering fabric or hair becoming fuzzy or frayed, and is less common.

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

• ほつれfray
• そそけるto become fluffy