How to say "adhere" in Japanese

• 付くつくJLPT N4approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbThe basic intransitive verb: something sticks, becomes attached, or adheres to a surface — dust on a window, a label on a jar. As the common word for this, it is your default choice.
  ボイラは湯ゆあかがびっしりついた。↗

  The boiler was heavily scaled.
• 張り付くはりつく
  godan verb, intransitive verbPhysical adherence with the added nuance of clinging tightly or being pasted on — a poster stuck flat to a wall. Less common than 付く; choose it when you want that firmer image.
• 着するちゃくする
  suru verb (irregular), intransitive verbDespite the gloss 'to adhere', this less common suru verb is seldom the word you want: it is best known as 'to arrive'. For physical adherence, use 付く or 張り付く.

For 'adhere' in its physical sense — something sticking to a surface — 「付く」 is the common word, 「張り付く」 adds a clinging or pasted-on nuance, and 「着する」 is a less common verb you will seldom need.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 付くつくto be attached
• 張り付くはりつくto stick (to)
• 着するちゃくするto adhere
• 関わるかかわるto stick (to)