Translation guide
The English verb 'cling' describes holding on tightly, sticking closely, or emotionally depending on someone. Japanese expresses these ideas through different verbs and phrases depending on what is being clung to and the nuance.
To grasp or hold onto something or someone firmly, often for support or out of fear.
The most common and natural way to say 'cling to' something physically, often with a sense of desperation or not letting go.
子供が母親にしがみついた。
The child clung to his mother.
彼は崖にしがみついて助けを待った。
He clung to the cliff and waited for help.
Similar to しがみつく, but often implies clinging out of emotional need or desperation, sometimes with a nuance of pleading.
彼女は別れたくなくて彼にすがりついた。
She clung to him, not wanting to break up.
To cling by embracing or throwing one's arms around someone. More about hugging tightly.
驚いて彼に抱きついた。
Startled, I clung to him.
To cling to someone or something in a desperate, often pleading manner. More literary or dramatic.
彼は恩師に取りすがって助けを求めた。
He clung to his mentor, begging for help.
For something to stay attached to a surface, often due to moisture, static, or stickiness.
General, casual verb for sticking or clinging, used for objects, substances, or even people staying close.
濡れたシャツが肌にくっついた。
The wet shirt clung to my skin.
磁石が冷蔵庫にくっついている。
The magnet is clinging to the fridge.
To cling or stick flat against a surface, often used for paper, leaves, or fabric. Implies a flat, tight adhesion.
To stay very near someone, often in an annoying or dependent way.
To follow around, cling to someone persistently, often with a negative nuance of being a nuisance.
弟が一日中私に付きまとった。
My little brother clung to me all day.
To follow someone around closely, literally 'go around sticking to'. Casual.
子犬がずっと私にくっついて回っている。
The puppy keeps clinging to me.
To rely excessively on someone emotionally, unable to let go.
To be dependent on someone emotionally or psychologically. More formal and clinical.
彼女は彼に感情的に依存している。
She clings to him emotionally.
A feeling of clinging to someone or something as a last hope. Often used in the phrase すがる思いで.
すがる思いで彼に助けを求めた。
I clung to him for help in desperation.
To persistently maintain a belief, hope, or memory, often despite difficulties.
Metaphorically cling to an idea, hope, or past. Same verb as physical clinging.
彼は過去の栄光にしがみついている。
He clings to his past glory.
まだ希望にしがみついている。
I'm still clinging to hope.
To stubbornly cling to an idea or opinion. More formal and often negative.
彼は自分の意見に固執した。
He clung to his own opinion.
Both mean to cling tightly, but しがみつく emphasizes the physical act of holding on, while すがりつく often carries an emotional nuance of desperation or pleading. すがりつく is commonly used when someone begs or emotionally clings to another person.
子供が親にしがみつく（物理的）
A child clings to a parent (physically).
彼女が彼にすがりつく（感情的）
She clings to him (emotionally).
While くっつく can mean 'cling' in a physical sense, using it for emotional dependence (e.g., 'cling to a relationship') sounds unnatural. Use 依存する or しがみつく instead.
My clothes clung to my body with sweat.
To cling annoyingly or persistently, often used for things that wrap around or follow you (like smoke, smell, or a child).
煙の匂いが服にまとわりついた。
The smell of smoke clung to my clothes.