Translation guide
The English verb "wrap" covers several distinct actions: covering something by folding material around it, winding something around an object, and putting arms around someone. Japanese uses different verbs for each core meaning. This guide breaks down the most useful meanings for learners.
To enclose an object in paper, cloth, or similar material by folding it around the object.
The most common and general verb for wrapping something in paper, cloth, etc. It implies covering completely by folding the material around the object.
プレゼントをきれいな紙で包んだ。
I wrapped the present in beautiful paper.
彼女は赤ちゃんを毛布で包んだ。
She wrapped the baby in a blanket.
A more formal verb often used for commercial or careful wrapping, such as gift wrapping or packaging goods.
商品を一つずつ包装してください。
Please wrap each item individually.
To wrap something up loosely or to envelop it, often with a sense of rolling or tucking in. Commonly used for wrapping food in seaweed or a blanket around oneself.
おにぎりを海苔でくるんだ。
I wrapped the rice ball in seaweed.
寒かったので毛布にくるまった。
It was cold, so I wrapped myself in a blanket.
To wind something long and flexible (string, bandage, tape) around an object or body part.
The standard verb for winding or coiling something around. Used for bandages, tape, rope, scarves, etc.
彼は腕に包帯を巻いた。
He wrapped a bandage around his arm.
首にマフラーを巻いた。
I wrapped a scarf around my neck.
To wrap something around by winding it tightly or securely. Emphasizes the action of attaching by winding.
To embrace or put one's arms around someone, often as a hug or protective gesture.
To hold someone tightly in one's arms; a warm embrace. This is the most natural equivalent for 'wrap one's arms around' in an affectionate context.
彼女は子供をぎゅっと抱きしめた。
She wrapped her arms tightly around her child.
Literally 'to put one's arm(s) around'. Describes the physical action without necessarily implying a tight hug. Often used for casual or comforting gestures.
彼は彼女の肩に腕を回した。
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
To bring something to an end; to finish or conclude an event, meeting, or task.
The most straightforward verb for finishing something. Use with a direct object (e.g., meeting, work).
会議を終えましょう。
Let's wrap up the meeting.
To bring things together and conclude; to summarize and finish. Often used for discussions or loose ends.
To wrap up earlier than planned; to cut short and finish. Used when stopping an activity before the scheduled end.
To enclose food by rolling or folding a flexible edible wrapper around a filling.
Used for rolling sushi, wraps, or any food where a sheet is rolled around a filling.
海苔でご飯と具を巻いて巻き寿司を作る。
You wrap the rice and fillings in seaweed to make rolled sushi.
Can also be used for wrapping food, especially when folding rather than rolling, such as wrapping a rice ball in seaweed or a dumpling in a skin.
包む (tsutsumu) is for covering something by folding material around it (like wrapping a gift). 巻く (maku) is for winding something long around an object (like a bandage or scarf). If you use the wrong one, it can sound unnatural. For example, 'wrap a present' is プレゼントを包む, not 巻く. 'Wrap a bandage' is 包帯を巻く, not 包む.
Avoid directly translating 'wrap my arms around' as 腕を包む. That sounds like you are covering your arms with something. Use 抱きしめる for a hug or 腕を回す for putting an arm around.
コードをスプールに巻き付けた。
I wrapped the cord around the spool.
彼女は彼を抱きしめた。
She wrapped her arms around him.
コードを柱に巻き付けた。
I wrapped the cord around the pole.
議論をまとめる時間です。
It's time to wrap up the discussion.
今日はここで仕事を切り上げよう。
Let's wrap up work here for today.
Wrap the filling in gyoza skins.