Translation guide
The act of attaching, sticking, or fastening one thing to another. This guide covers common Japanese verbs and expressions for affixing objects in everyday situations.
To affix one thing to another, such as paper to a wall, a stamp to an envelope, or a sticker to a surface.
The most common verb for attaching flat, thin objects like paper, stickers, stamps, or posters using glue, tape, or adhesive.
Please affix a stamp to the envelope.
I put up a poster on the wall.
A general verb meaning 'to attach' or 'to put on'. Used for a wide range of objects, not limited to flat items. Often used in compound verbs.
I attached a magnet to the refrigerator.
Formal/technical term for bonding or adhering, often with strong adhesives or in industrial contexts.
Bond the parts with adhesive.
To affix by tying, clipping, pinning, or using a mechanical fastener.
To fasten or secure something in place, often with a clip, pin, button, or string. Can be used for hair, papers, or clothing.
I fastened the documents with a clip.
To pin up one's hair.
To fix or secure firmly in place, often used in technical or mechanical contexts.
Secure the board with screws.
To affix an official seal, stamp, or impression, often for authentication.
貼る (haru) is specifically for sticking flat things with adhesive. 付ける (tsukeru) is more general and can mean 'attach' in many ways, including with magnets, hooks, or by placing something onto something else. Use 貼る for stamps, stickers, and posters; use 付ける for accessories, magnets, or when the method of attachment is not adhesive-based.
English 'affix' is often too formal for everyday Japanese. In most cases, use 貼る (stick) or 付ける (attach) instead of trying to find a direct equivalent. The verb 添付する (tenpu suru) means 'to attach' in the sense of appending a file or document, not physically affixing.
To tie or bind one thing to another, literally or figuratively.
I tied the luggage with a rope.