Translation guide
The English verb 'hang' covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean suspending an object, executing someone, lingering in the air, spending time, or other uses.
To attach something so that it is supported from above and its lower part is free.
General verb for hanging something on a hook, hanger, wall, etc. Transitive.
コートをハンガーに掛けてください。
Please hang your coat on the hanger.
壁に絵を掛けた。
I hung a picture on the wall.
To hang something by a string, rope, or line, often from above. Transitive.
風鈴を軒先に吊るした。
I hung a wind chime from the eaves.
To hang something down, suspend. Often used for lights, signs, or objects hanging from a point. Transitive.
看板を下げる。
Hang a sign.
To dangle or hang something loosely. More casual and vivid. Transitive.
鍵をベルトにぶら下げている。
He has keys hanging from his belt.
To be attached or supported from above so that the lower part is free (intransitive).
Intransitive counterpart of 掛ける. Used for pictures, coats, etc. hanging on something.
壁に絵が掛かっている。
A picture is hanging on the wall.
To be suspended by a string or rope. Intransitive.
天井からランプが吊る下がっている。
A lamp is hanging from the ceiling.
To dangle or hang loosely. Intransitive. Often used for monkeys, people, or objects swinging.
To kill someone by tying a rope around their neck and letting them drop.
Formal term for execution by hanging. Literally 'to carry out hanging punishment'.
彼は絞首刑にされた。
He was hanged.
To hang oneself (suicide). Literally 'to hang one's neck'. Can also be used for execution but often implies suicide.
彼は獄中で首を吊った。
He hanged himself in prison.
To float or stay in the air without moving much, like smoke, fog, or a smell.
Used for smoke, fog, or smell that hangs heavily in the air. Intransitive.
部屋に煙が立ち込めている。
Smoke is hanging in the room.
To drift or float in the air. Can be used for smells, sounds, or atmosphere. Intransitive.
To spend time in a relaxed way, often with friends, without a specific purpose.
To hang around, loiter, or spend time idly. Casual.
公園でぶらぶらしよう。
Let's hang out in the park.
General verb for playing or hanging out with friends. Very common.
友達と遊んだ。
I hung out with my friends.
To laze around, hang around doing nothing productive. Slightly negative nuance.
家でだらだらしていた。
I was just hanging around at home.
To end a phone call.
Standard expression for hanging up the phone. Literally 'cut the phone'.
彼は突然電話を切った。
He suddenly hung up the phone.
To bend or let something hang downward, like a head in shame or a plant wilting.
To hang one's head in shame or dejection. Intransitive.
彼は恥ずかしそうにうなだれた。
He hung his head in embarrassment.
To hang down, droop. Can be used for branches, hair, etc. Intransitive/transitive.
To wait for a short time (informal).
Casual way to say 'hang on a moment'. Literally 'wait a little'.
ちょっと待って、今行くから。
Hang on, I'm coming now.
掛ける is the most general and common for hanging items on hooks, walls, etc. 吊るす implies suspending by a string or rope from above. 下げる emphasizes hanging something down from a fixed point, like a sign or light.
Do not use 掛ける or 吊るす for 'hang out with friends'. Use 遊ぶ or ぶらぶらする instead. Literal translations will sound like you are physically suspending your friends.
友達と遊ぶ
hang out with friends
猿が木の枝にぶら下がっている。
A monkey is hanging from a tree branch.
花の香りが漂っている。
The scent of flowers hangs in the air.
The willow branches are hanging down.