Translation guide
A thick cord made by twisting or braiding fibers together, used for tying, pulling, or lifting.
A strong, thick cord used for tying, binding, or pulling.
The most common and neutral word for rope, used in everyday contexts like camping, sports, or general use.
Specialized rope for climbing, rescue, or safety purposes.
Specifically a climbing rope, borrowed from German 'Seil'. Used in mountaineering contexts.
Referring to rope as a material or in a generic sense.
Also used for the material itself.
ロープ is the general modern term. 縄 is traditional, often natural fiber, and used in cultural or agricultural contexts. 綱 is very thick and strong, used for ships, sumo, or tug-of-war. For everyday use, ロープ is safest.
キャンプにロープを持っていく。
I'll bring a rope to the camp.
神社に縄が飾ってある。
A rope is displayed at the shrine.
船の綱が切れた。
The ship's rope broke.
This rope is very strong.
ロープを引っ張ってください。
Please pull the rope.
Traditional rope, often made of natural fibers like straw or hemp. Used in cultural contexts, farming, or martial arts. Can sound rustic.
農家で縄を使っています。
They use rope on the farm.
しめ縄は神聖な縄です。
Shimenawa is a sacred rope.
A thick, heavy rope or cable, often used for ships, sumo, or large-scale pulling. Implies great strength.
船を綱で岸に固定した。
They secured the ship to the shore with a rope.
綱引きをしましょう。
Let's play tug-of-war.
ザイルを結ぶ方法を教えてください。
Please teach me how to tie a climbing rope.
Literally 'life rope', a lifeline or safety rope used in dangerous work or rescue.
高所作業では命綱が必須です。
A safety rope is essential for high-altitude work.
ロープの端を結んでください。
Please tie the end of the rope.
Generally means string, cord, or thin rope. Use when the rope is thin or for small tasks.
Not for thick, heavy ropes. Use ロープ or 綱 instead.
この紐は細すぎます。
This string is too thin.