Translation guide
The English word "sticky" covers physical adhesiveness, humid weather, difficult situations, and digital persistence. Japanese uses different words for each meaning.
Describing a surface or substance that things stick to, like tape, glue, or a sticky note.
General term for adhesive properties, used for tapes, labels, etc.
このテープは粘着性が強い。
This tape is very sticky.
Common onomatopoeic expression for sticky/tacky feel, often negative (unpleasant residue).
手がベタベタする。
My hands are sticky.
Verb meaning 'to stick to', used for things adhering.
ご飯粒が服にくっついた。
A grain of rice stuck to my clothes.
Describing hot, humid weather that makes you feel sticky.
Standard word for hot and humid, implying stickiness.
今日は蒸し暑いね。
It's sticky today, isn't it?
Also used for the sticky feeling on skin due to humidity.
湿気で肌がベタベタする。
My skin feels sticky from the humidity.
Describing a problematic, awkward, or delicate situation.
Means troublesome, bothersome; often used for sticky situations.
厄介な問題が起きた。
A sticky problem came up.
Means delicate, subtle; used for situations requiring tact.
それは微妙な立場だね。
That's a sticky position to be in.
Means troublesome, bothersome; casual.
面倒なことになった。
Things got sticky.
Referring to a small piece of paper with adhesive.
General term for sticky notes, including Post-it.
付箋にメモを書く。
Write a memo on a sticky note.
Brand name often used generically.
ポストイットを貼る。
Stick a Post-it.
Describing a website header, button, or element that stays visible while scrolling.
Means 'fixed' in web design context.
固定ヘッダーがスクロールしても表示される。
The sticky header stays visible when scrolling.
Loanword used in tech contexts.
スティッキーメニューを実装する。
Implement a sticky menu.
Do not use 粘着性 (adhesive) for humid weather. Use 蒸し暑い or ベタベタする.
厄介 is more formal and serious; 面倒 is casual and implies annoyance; 微妙 is for delicate, nuanced situations.
ジュースをこぼして床がベタベタしていた。
The floor was sticky from spilled juice.
仕事で厄介な状況にいる。
I'm in a sticky situation at work.