How to say "cling" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 付くつくgodan verb, intransitive verbThe most general of these words, and a common one: the plain 'stick, adhere' sense — dirt on a sleeve, a label on a bottle. It describes something being attached rather than someone actively clinging.
- godan verb, intransitive verbTo cling on tightly, usually with the hands and often out of fear or desperation — a passenger gripping a strap, someone clinging to a ledge; also figuratively, clinging to power or the past.
- 張り付くはりつくgodan verb, intransitive verbTo stick or cling flat against a surface — a poster pasted to a wall, a fly on sticky paper, wet clothes clinging to the body; close surface contact rather than gripping.
- godan verb, intransitive verbTo cling by winding round — a vine twining round a railing, or a small child clinging round an adult's legs; the image is of something wrapping itself around what it clings to.その猫は彼女の着物にまつわりついた。↗The cat clung to her dress.
- godan verb, intransitive verbPlayful, affectionate clinging — a kitten coiling round your arm, a small child frolicking and grabbing at you. For plain or desperate clinging this is seldom the word you want.
For 'cling': 「付く」 for plain sticking or attachment, 「しがみつく」 for desperate gripping, 「張り付く」 for adhering flat to a surface, 「まとわりつく」 for winding round something, and 「じゃれつく」 for a child's or animal's playful clinging.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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