How to say "attach" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- ichidan verb, transitive verbThe most general of these: it covers attaching, joining, connecting and adding across a wide range of situations, such as putting a label on something or adding an extra item; the default when no more specific verb applies.
- ichidan verb, transitive verbFor physically sticking things together: pasting or gluing one thing onto another, or pressing pieces so they hold together — paper, photographs, tape.
- 結びつけるむすびつけるichidan verb, transitive verbIts core is tying or fastening one thing to another and joining things firmly; for plain attaching of objects it is seldom the word you want — that is really つける or くっつける.
- 付するふするsuru verb (irregular), transitive verbTo affix or append something, typically in writing — adding a document, note or signature to paperwork; not the verb for sticking physical objects together.
- ichidan verb, transitive verbIts main sense is putting on something that envelops, like gloves or a ring; for 'attach' it fits the case of fixing one part onto another, as a hose to a tap.
Use 「つける」 for attaching in general, 「くっつける」 when things physically stick or are glued, 「結びつける」 for tying or joining, 「付する」 for appending to documents, and 「はめる」 for fitting one part onto another.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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