Meaning
The kanji 糸 (いと) signifies thread, string, yarn, or fiber. It encompasses any long, thin strand material, whether natural (like silk or cotton) or synthetic. This character is essential for discussing textiles, sewing, knitting, and even fishing, representing the fundamental raw materials used to create fabrics and other woven goods.
Historically, 糸 originated as a pictograph. Its ancient form clearly depicted two bundles of intertwined silk threads. The upper part of the character resembles small knots or fiber bundles, while the lower part shows the twisted ends of the threads. This visual representation directly illustrates the very essence of thread: multiple fine strands twisted or spun together. The design elegantly captures thread's delicate yet strong nature.
糸 itself functions as a radical (the 糸 radical, sometimes appearing as 糹 on the left side of other kanji). This signifies a close relationship to textile, weaving, or string-related concepts in compound characters. With a stroke count of 6, it's taught in Grade 4 of Japanese elementary school, making it a foundational character. Its presence in numerous N2-level vocabulary items means it's essential for intermediate learners.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi reading of 糸 is シ (shi). While rarely used for the standalone character, it frequently appears in compound words. These often relate to the manufacturing or processing of threads and textiles, or are found in more formal and technical contexts. It generally carries a nuance of fine strands or intricate details, reflecting its Chinese origins.
- 紡糸 (bōshi) — spinning (of yarn or fiber)
- 製糸 (seishi) — silk reeling; silk manufacturing
- 金糸 (kinshi) — gold thread; metallic yarn
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary kun'yomi reading of 糸 is いと (ito). This is the most common reading, used when 糸 stands alone to mean "thread" or "string." It also appears in a wide array of native Japanese compound words, consistently retaining its direct meaning. Mastering this reading is essential for everyday Japanese communication.
- 糸 (ito) — thread; string; yarn
- 毛糸 (keito) — wool yarn
- 絹糸 (kinu-ito) — silk thread
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 糸 is integral to a wide range of vocabulary, especially concerning textiles, crafting, and even metaphorical expressions. Here are some common words and compounds categorized by their usage:
General Terms & Materials
- 糸 (ito) — thread, string, yarn
- 毛糸 (keito) — wool yarn
- 木綿糸 (momen-ito) — cotton thread
- 絹糸 (kinu-ito) — silk thread
- 金糸 (kinshi) — gold thread
- ミシン糸 (mishin-ito) — sewing machine thread
Objects & Tools
- 釣り糸 (tsuri-ito) — fishing line
- 糸電話 (itodenwa) — string telephone (toy)
- 糸巻 (itomaki) — spool, bobbin
- 縫い糸 (nuiito) — sewing thread
Processes & Industries
- 製糸 (seishi) — silk reeling; silk manufacturing
- 製糸工場 (seishi kōjō) — silk reeling factory
- 紡糸 (bōshi) — spinning (of yarn or fiber)
Figurative & Abstract Uses
- 糸口 (itoguchi) — thread end; clue, lead; opening (e.g., to a solution)
- 蜘蛛の糸 (kumo no ito) — spider web/thread (often used in literary contexts, like the famous story by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa)
Example Sentences
針に糸を通してください。
Hari ni ito wo tōshite kudasai.
Please thread the needle.
毛糸でセーターを編んでいます。
Keito de sētā wo aminde imasu.
I am knitting a sweater with wool yarn.
この糸はとても細くて切れやすいです。
Kono ito wa totemo hosokute kireyasui desu.
This thread is very thin and breaks easily.
釣り糸を垂らして魚を待ちました。
Tsuriito wo tarashite sakana wo machimashita.
I cast my fishing line and waited for a fish.
事件の糸口がなかなか見つからない。
Jiken no itoguchi ga nakanaka mitsukaranai.
It's hard to find a clue to the case.
昔、日本では製糸工場がたくさんありました。
Mukashi, Nihon de wa seishi kōjō ga takusan arimashita.
In the past, there were many silk reeling factories in Japan.
このミシン糸は丈夫なので、よく使います。
Kono mishin-ito wa jōbu nanode, yoku tsukaimasu.
This sewing machine thread is strong, so I use it often.
蜘蛛は自分の糸で巣を作ります。
Kumo wa jibun no ito de su wo tsukurimasu.
Spiders build their nests with their own thread.
彼女は古い着物から絹糸をほどいて再利用しました。
Kanojo wa furui kimono kara kinu-ito wo hodoite sai-riyō shimashita.
She unraveled silk thread from an old kimono and reused it.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 糸, visualize its pictographic origins. Imagine two small bundles or coils of thread, represented by the two 'dots' at the top. These form the initial strands. Then, picture them intertwining and extending downwards, culminating in a single, thicker strand or knot at the bottom, depicted by the 'small hook' shape.
You can think of it as two separate lines merging and twisting into one continuous thread. This visual narrative directly reflects the act of spinning or twisting fibers to create a sturdy thread. The overall shape also evokes a traditional spinning top or a spool of thread seen from above, making it easy to connect with the concept of 'thread'.