Translation guide
The English word "tack" has several distinct meanings, from a small nail to a sailing maneuver to a course of action. This guide covers the most common uses for learners.
A short, sharp nail with a flat head, used for fastening paper or light materials.
Specifically a thumbtack or drawing pin. This is the most common word for a tack used on bulletin boards.
画鋲でポスターを壁に留めた。
I tacked the poster to the wall with a thumbtack.
A general word for a rivet, stud, or tack. Can refer to decorative tacks on furniture or upholstery.
その椅子には真鍮の鋲が打ってある。
The chair is studded with brass tacks.
A pushpin, similar to a thumbtack but with a longer, easier-to-grip handle. Common in offices.
押しピンで書類を掲示板に貼った。
I pinned the document to the bulletin board with a pushpin.
The act of changing a sailing vessel's direction by turning the bow through the wind.
Borrowed directly from English, used in sailing contexts. Also used as a verb with する.
船は風上に向かってタックした。
The boat tacked into the wind.
A traditional Japanese sailing term meaning 'tacking' or 'going about'. Less common than タック.
上手回しで方向を変える。
Change direction by tacking.
A method or way of dealing with a situation; a line of policy.
Policy, course, or line of action. Used in business and everyday contexts.
新しい方針を取ることにした。
We decided to take a new tack.
Way of doing something; method. More casual than 方針.
Approach or method, borrowed from English. Common in business and creative fields.
A temporary stitch used to hold fabric in place before final sewing; basting.
Basting or tacking stitch. Used as a noun or with する.
まずしつけをしてからミシンで縫う。
First tack the fabric, then sew it with the machine.
Temporary sewing or basting. Often used in tailoring.
Equipment used in horseback riding, such as saddles and bridles. Often in the phrase "tack room".
A rope or line on a ship, especially one controlling the lower corner of a sail.
Same as the sailing maneuver; context distinguishes the meaning. Refers to the rope or the corner of the sail.
タックを引いて帆を調整する。
Adjust the sail by pulling the tack.
While 画鋲 is correct for a thumbtack, using 釘 (くぎ, nail) would be wrong because it implies a larger nail for wood. Always specify the type of tack.
方針 implies a more formal policy or strategic direction, while やり方 is a casual 'way of doing things'. Use 方針 in business settings and やり方 in everyday conversation.
掲示板用の画鋲を買わないと。
I need to buy some tacks for the bulletin board.
交渉では別の方針を取ってみよう。
Let's try a different tack in the negotiation.
別のやり方で試してみよう。
Let's try a different tack.
問題に対して新しいアプローチを取る。
Take a new tack on the problem.
仮縫いで裾を留める。
Tack the hem with a basting stitch.