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 standard term for adhesive tape in general. Used in technical and everyday contexts.
この粘着テープは強力です。
This adhesive tape is strong.
Shortened form, very common in casual speech. Often implies adhesive tape when context is clear.
テープで貼ってください。
Please stick it with tape.
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.
医療用テープでガーゼを固定する。
Secure the gauze with medical 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.
写真を壁にテープで貼った。
I taped the photo to the wall.
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.
The most common word for clear adhesive tape, like Scotch tape. Often shortened to セロテープ in casual speech.
セロハンテープをください。
Can I have some cellophane tape?
紙をセロハンテープで貼る。
Stick the paper with cellophane tape.
Common abbreviation of セロハンテープ. Very casual.
セロテープある？
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.
ダンボールをガムテープで閉じる。
Seal the cardboard box with packing tape.
Specifically cloth tape, often used for heavy-duty applications. Less common than ガムテープ.
布テープは水に強い。
Cloth tape is water-resistant.
Kraft paper tape, often used for eco-friendly packaging. Not as common in everyday speech.
クラフトテープで梱包する。
Pack using kraft tape.
Standard term for masking tape. Also used for decorative washi tape (マスキングテープ).
ペンキを塗る前にマスキングテープを貼る。
Apply masking tape before painting.
Specifically for construction or renovation masking. Often green or blue.
養生テープで窓を保護する。
Protect the windows with masking 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.
絆創膏を貼ってください。
Please put on a bandage.
Standard term for double-sided tape.
ポスターを両面テープで貼る。
Stick the poster with double-sided tape.
Standard term for electrical insulating tape.
絶縁テープを巻いてください。
Please wrap it with electrical tape.
Means 'to fasten with tape', often used for securing something temporarily.
コードをテープで留める。
Fasten the cord with tape.