Inklingo
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hilo

/EE-loh/

thread

A large spool of vibrant red sewing thread with a silver needle threaded through it, ready for use.

The most common meaning of hilo is the literal thread used for sewing or weaving.

hilo(noun)

mA1

thread

?

sewing, fabric

,

yarn

?

knitting, weaving

Also:

string

?

thin cord

📝 In Action

Necesito un carrete de hilo blanco para coser esta falda.

A1

I need a spool of white thread to sew this skirt.

El gato jugó con el hilo hasta que lo rompió.

A2

The cat played with the yarn until it broke it.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • hilo dental – dental floss
  • hilo de seda – silk thread

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'hilo' is always masculine, so you must use 'el hilo' and 'un hilo', even though it starts with an 'h'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Thread and Rope

Mistake: "Using 'hilo' for a thick rope or cable."

Correction: Use 'cuerda' or 'soga' for thick rope, and reserve 'hilo' for thin, fine strands.

⭐ Usage Tips

Sewing Vocabulary

When talking about sewing, you will often pair 'hilo' with 'aguja' (needle) and 'coser' (to sew).

A thick, coiled copper electrical wire, partially stripped to show the metallic conductor inside.

Hilo can also refer to a metallic wire or electrical strand.

hilo(noun)

mB1

wire

?

electrical, metallic strand

,

filament

?

light bulb, fine strand

📝 In Action

Hay que cambiar el hilo de la bombilla, está fundido.

B1

We have to change the light bulb's filament, it's burned out.

El electricista cortó el hilo rojo para arreglar el circuito.

B2

The electrician cut the red wire to fix the circuit.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • hilo conductor – conducting wire (also figurative: main theme)

💡 Grammar Points

Technical Usage

In technical fields, 'cable' is often used for thicker bundles of wires, while 'hilo' is used for a single, thinner strand.

Two friendly characters facing each other and talking, visually connected by a single, continuous, brightly colored thread flowing between them, symbolizing the continuity of their dialogue.

Metaphorically, hilo describes the continuity or 'thread' of a conversation or story.

hilo(noun)

mB2

thread

?

of a conversation or story

,

line

?

sequence or connection

Also:

theme

?

main topic

📝 In Action

Perdí el hilo de la conversación cuando sonó mi teléfono.

B2

I lost the thread of the conversation when my phone rang.

El hilo de la novela es muy complicado, con muchos giros.

C1

The plot line of the novel is very complicated, with many twists.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Idioms & Expressions

  • Perder el hilo – To lose track of the topic or sequence.
  • Seguir el hilo – To follow the sequence or maintain the topic.
  • Retomar el hilo – To return to the previous topic.

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

This meaning is very similar to how English uses 'thread' to describe the continuous line of thought in a discussion or story.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Perder'

The most common way to use this figurative meaning is with the verb 'perder' (to lose): 'Perdí el hilo' is a very natural phrase when you get distracted.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: hilo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'hilo' in its common figurative sense?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

hilar(to spin (thread)) - verb
hilera(row, line) - noun
hilado(spun, yarn (noun)) - adjective/noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'fishing line'?

While 'hilo' can sometimes work for a very fine line, the most common and precise term for 'fishing line' is 'sedal' or 'línea de pesca'.

Does 'hilo' refer to a social media 'thread'?

Yes! In modern digital communication, 'hilo' is the direct equivalent of a Twitter or forum 'thread' (a sequence of related messages).