How to say "cuddle" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 抱きしめるだきしめるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'cuddle' as a tight embrace: holding someone close in your arms, as you would hug a loved one. A common verb whose basic meaning is hugging tight rather than soothing.
- godan verb, transitive verbMatches 'cuddle' in the sense of cuddling to comfort or soothe — rocking or calming someone, typically a crying baby. Less common than 抱きしめる, and not the word for simply hugging someone tight.
Use 「抱きしめる」 for cuddling in the sense of holding someone tight in your arms, and 「あやす」 when the cuddling is done to comfort or soothe someone, such as a crying baby.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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