Translation guide
The English word 'sticking' can refer to physical adhesion, the act of attaching something, or the state of being stuck. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings, from common verbs to specific onomatopoeia.
Describing when one object adheres or clings to another, often due to glue, moisture, or static.
A common, casual verb meaning 'to stick to' or 'to adhere'. Used for everyday situations.
ガムが靴にくっついた。
Gum stuck to my shoe.
このシールはよくくっつく。
This sticker sticks well.
Literally 'to stick on', often used for flat things like posters or tape. Slightly more formal than くっつく.
ポスターが壁に貼り付いている。
The poster is stuck to the wall.
Technical term for adhesion, used in contexts like glue, tape, or physics.
このテープは強力に粘着する。
This tape adheres strongly.
The action of making something stick to something else, like putting up a poster or applying a sticker.
The standard verb for sticking flat objects (paper, stamps, tape) onto surfaces.
封筒に切手を貼ってください。
Please stick a stamp on the envelope.
壁にポスターを貼った。
I stuck a poster on the wall.
A general verb for attaching or applying. Can be used for stickers, but less specific than 貼る.
Describing a state where something is jammed, caught, or cannot be removed easily.
Means 'to be caught' or 'to be stuck' on something, like a hook or a snag.
ドアが引っかかって開かない。
The door is stuck and won't open.
服が釘に引っかかった。
My clothes got stuck on a nail.
Used when something is stuck in a narrow space, like a pipe or a throat.
Can also mean 'to be stuck' in the sense of being inseparable or clinging.
When something extends outward from a surface or is noticeable.
Means 'to stick out' or 'to protrude'. Used for physical objects.
釘が壁から突き出ている。
A nail is sticking out of the wall.
Means 'to stick out' from a boundary or container, often used for things overflowing or protruding.
Continuing to do something despite difficulty, or remaining loyal.
The general verb for 'to continue'. Often used with another verb in the て-form to mean 'keep doing'.
毎日練習を続けている。
I'm sticking with daily practice.
Means 'to see something through' or 'to stick it out'. Emphasizes completion despite hardship.
I stuck a sticker on my notebook.
The pipe is stuck (clogged).
骨が喉に詰まった。
A bone got stuck in my throat.
この引き出しがくっついて開かない。
This drawer is stuck and won't open.
シャツがズボンからはみ出ている。
Your shirt is sticking out of your pants.
I intend to stick it out to the end.