ほつれる

ほ

つ

れ

る

JLPTN1

Meanings

1

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

become frayed; come loose

usually written using kana alone

Describes threads, seams, or fabric edges unraveling or coming apart naturally.

ぬ

い

目め

が

ほつれ

ない

よう

に

、

しっかり

縫ぬ

っ

て

ください

。

Sew it firmly so the seam doesn't come loose.

ほつす
Transitive counterpart meaning 'to unravel' or 'to fray' something intentionally.

The origin is uncertain; it may be related to the verb 解く (ほどく, 'to untie') with a sound shift.