Translation guide
The English word 'tagging' can refer to several different actions: attaching a physical label, marking something with an identifier, adding metadata (like hashtags or keywords), or even graffiti. This guide covers the most common ways to express these ideas in Japanese, organized by meaning.
To physically attach a tag, label, or sticker to an object for identification or pricing.
The most direct and common way to say 'to tag' something physically. タグ is a loanword from English, and 付ける means 'to attach'.
商品に値札のタグを付ける。
I attach a price tag to the product.
Used when the tag is a sticker or adhesive label. 貼る means 'to stick' or 'to paste'.
荷物に宛先ラベルを貼る。
I stick an address label on the package.
Specifically for attaching a shipping tag or luggage tag. 荷札 means 'tag' in the context of freight or baggage.
スーツケースに荷札を付ける。
I attach a luggage tag to the suitcase.
To add tags, hashtags, or keywords to digital content like social media posts, photos, or files.
The same phrase as physical tagging, but used in digital contexts. Very common for social media and file management.
写真にタグを付ける。
I tag the photo.
Specifically for adding hashtags, like on Twitter or Instagram.
投稿にハッシュタグを付ける。
I add hashtags to the post.
A more technical or formal way to say 'tagging', often used in software or database contexts. It's a suru-verb.
ファイルにタグ付けする。
I tag the file.
To write or spray a tag (signature or symbol) as graffiti.
General term for graffiti or scribbling. Can be used for tagging but is broader.
壁に落書きをする。
I do graffiti on the wall.
More specific to graffiti tagging, using 描く (to draw/write).
電車にタグを描く。
I tag the train (with graffiti).
The loanword for 'graffiti'. Often used in art or street culture contexts.
To identify or mention someone in a post, photo, or comment, often on social media.
The standard term for tagging a person on social media.
友達を写真にタグ付けする。
I tag my friend in the photo.
Used specifically for mentioning someone in a post or comment, like on Twitter. From 'mention'.
ツイートで友達をメンションする。
I mention my friend in a tweet.
While タグを描く is understood, it's not as common as 落書き. For graffiti culture, グラフィティ is often used.
In IT and social media, the English word 'tag' is used directly as タグ. Verbs are formed with する or 付ける.
彼はグラフィティアーティストだ。
He is a graffiti artist.