Translation guide
In Japanese, 'adhesive tape' is most commonly expressed with the loanword テープ, often with a descriptor like 粘着テープ or セロハンテープ for specific types. The general term 粘着テープ is widely understood, while セロハンテープ (cellophane tape) is the everyday word for clear office tape. For cloth-based or heavy-duty tape, ガムテープ or 布テープ are used. Medical tape is typically 絆創膏 or 医療用テープ. When referring to the act of taping, use the verb 貼る.
Referring to any kind of tape with adhesive on one side.
The transparent tape used for paper, wrapping, etc.
Strong, often wide tape used for sealing boxes or repairs.
Paper-based tape used for painting or temporary marking.
Tape used for bandages or medical purposes.
General term for medical adhesive tape.
Tape with adhesive on both sides.
Vinyl tape used for insulating electrical wires.
The action of applying adhesive tape.
The most natural way to say 'to tape something'. Use the particle で to indicate the means.
The direct translation 接着テープ exists but is rarely used in everyday Japanese. Stick to 粘着テープ or specific types like セロハンテープ.
In context, テープ often implies adhesive tape. For example, if you ask for テープ in an office, people will assume you mean cellophane tape.
Please stick it with tape.
The most common word for clear adhesive tape, like Scotch tape. Often shortened to セロテープ in casual speech.
Can I have some cellophane tape?
Stick the paper with cellophane tape.
Common abbreviation of セロハンテープ. Very casual.
Do you have any tape?
Originally referred to cloth-backed tape (from 'gummed tape'), but now commonly used for packing tape and even duct tape. Very widely understood.
Seal the cardboard box with packing tape.
Specifically cloth tape, often used for heavy-duty applications. Less common than ガムテープ.
Cloth tape is water-resistant.
Kraft paper tape, often used for eco-friendly packaging. Not as common in everyday speech.
Pack using kraft tape.
Standard term for masking tape. Also used for decorative washi tape (マスキングテープ).
Apply masking tape before painting.
Specifically for construction or renovation masking. Often green or blue.
Protect the windows with masking tape.
Secure the gauze with medical tape.
Refers to adhesive bandages (like Band-Aids), but can sometimes mean medical tape in context.
Primarily means 'adhesive bandage', not tape on a roll. Use 医療用テープ for tape.
Please put on a bandage.
Standard term for double-sided tape.
Stick the poster with double-sided tape.
Standard term for electrical insulating tape.
Please wrap it with electrical tape.
I taped the photo to the wall.
Means 'to fasten with tape', often used for securing something temporarily.
Fasten the cord with tape.