vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Hilo" is a form of "hilo", a noun which is often translated as "thread". "Ovillo" is a form of "ovillo", a noun which is often translated as "ball". Learn more about the difference between "hilo" and "ovillo" below.
el hilo(
ee
-
loh
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. thread
El viejo suéter tiene hilos colgando por todas partes.The old sweater has threads hanging out everywhere.
b. yarn (for knitting)
El juguete favorito del gatito es la bola de hilo.The kitten's favorite toy is the ball of yarn.
a. wire
Para estar seguro, vamos a arreglar todos los hilos descubiertos.To be safe, we are going to fix all exposed wires.
a. trickle
Después de la lluvia, un hilo de agua entró por debajo de la puerta.After the rain, a trickle of water came in under the door.
a. linen
Él compró una camisa ligera de hilo para llevar de vacaciones.He bought a light linen shirt to wear on vacation.
a. thread (figurative)
No pudo seguir el hilo de la conversación porque las chicas hablaban muy rápido.He couldn't follow the thread of the conversation because the girls spoke so quickly.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
el ovillo(
oh
-
bee
-
yoh
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. ball
Necesité dos ovillos de lana para tejer esta bufanda.I needed two balls of wool to knit this scarf.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.