Translation guide
The English word 'lace' can refer to a delicate fabric, a cord for fastening shoes or clothing, or the action of adding a small amount of something (like alcohol) to food or drink. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Delicate openwork fabric used for clothing, curtains, etc.
The most common and general term for lace fabric. Used in fashion, home decor, and crafts.
A cord or string used to fasten shoes or clothing.
The standard word for shoelace.
To add a small amount of a substance, especially alcohol, to food or drink.
A general phrase meaning 'to add a small amount of ~'. Use with the ingredient.
コーヒーに少量のブランデーを加えた。
I laced the coffee with a small amount of brandy.
While レース (rēsu) is the standard word for lace fabric, it is not used for shoelaces. Use 靴ひも (kutsuhimo) instead.
このドレスはレースでできています。
This dress is made of lace.
レースのカーテンが欲しいです。
I want lace curtains.
Specifically refers to lace knitting or crochet, the craft of making lace.
祖母はレース編みが得意です。
My grandmother is good at lace knitting.
My shoelace came undone.
新しい靴ひもを買わなければ。
I need to buy new shoelaces.
A general word for string, cord, or lace. Can be used for clothing laces, but '靴ひも' is more specific for shoes.
このパーカーのひもが切れた。
The lace on this hoodie broke.
A suffix meaning 'containing ~' or 'with ~ added'. Often used in menus or product descriptions.
ラム酒入りのケーキ
A cake laced with rum
Means 'to mix'. Can be used when the lacing involves mixing an ingredient into something.
生地にスパイスを混ぜた。
I laced the dough with spices.