How to Say "thread" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “thread” is “hilo” — use 'hilo' when referring to the material used for sewing or the stringy fibers of fabric..
hilo
EE-loh/ˈilo/
Examples
Necesito un carrete de hilo blanco para coser esta falda.
I need a spool of white thread to sew this skirt.
El gato jugó con el hilo hasta que lo rompió.
The cat played with the yarn until it broke it.
Perdí el hilo de la conversación cuando sonó mi teléfono.
I lost the thread of the conversation when my phone rang.
El hilo de la novela es muy complicado, con muchos giros.
The plot line of the novel is very complicated, with many twists.
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'.
Figurative Use
This meaning is very similar to how English uses 'thread' to describe the continuous line of thought in a discussion or story.
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.
hilo
Examples
Perdí el hilo de la conversación cuando sonó mi teléfono.
I lost the thread of the conversation when my phone rang.
filete
/fee-LEH-teh//fiˈlete/
Examples
La portada del libro tiene un filete de oro.
The book cover has a gold border.
El sofá tiene un filete blanco que resalta el color azul.
The sofa has white piping that highlights the blue color.
Abstract use
Think of this meaning as a 'thin strip' of something, which helps connect it to the food meaning (a thin strip of meat).
Hilo vs. Filete for Mechanical Parts
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