Translation guide
The English word "attachment" has several distinct meanings, from emotional bonds to physical add-ons and digital files. This guide breaks them down by use case and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Expressing a feeling of fondness, connection, or emotional tie to a person, place, or thing.
The most direct and common translation for emotional attachment. Used for people, pets, objects, and places.
He has an attachment to his old car.
Implies a stronger, sometimes unhealthy attachment or obsession. Often used in negative contexts.
She is attached to her past relationships (in an unhealthy way).
Literally "to have deep feelings/thoughts put into something." Used for sentimental attachment, often to objects or places with personal history.
I have an attachment to this house.
A more formal or literary term for the feeling of attachment. Less common in everyday speech.
Children show a strong attachment to their mothers.
Referring to a digital file (document, image, etc.) that is attached to an electronic message.
The standard term for an email attachment. Often shortened to just 添付 (てんぷ) in casual contexts.
Please send the email with the attachment.
Short for 添付ファイル. Very common in business and casual email. Can be used as a noun or verb (添付する).
Specifically refers to attached documents or materials, often in a business context.
Please check the attached document.
Describing a physical item that can be attached to something else, like a vacuum cleaner attachment or a camera accessory.
The loanword from English, widely used for mechanical or electronic accessories (e.g., vacuum attachments, mixer attachments).
I changed the vacuum cleaner attachment.
General term for accessories or included parts. Often used for items that come with a main product.
A more technical term for a mounting or attaching device. Used in engineering or DIY contexts.
Referring to the legal act of taking property by court order, such as attachment of earnings or bank accounts.
Describing the physical action of joining one thing to another.
The act of installing or attaching something, like a shelf to a wall or a part to a machine.
The attachment of the air conditioner is complete.
Often used for wearing or attaching equipment, especially in medical or technical contexts (e.g., attaching a sensor).
Specifically refers to adhesion or gluing. Used when attachment involves adhesives.
Expressing a sense of allegiance or commitment, often in a social or organizational context.
Can also be used for loyalty to a group or brand, though it leans more emotional. For stronger loyalty, see 忠誠.
He has an attachment to his local team.
Strong loyalty or allegiance, often used for feudal or organizational loyalty.
A sense of belonging or attachment to a group. More psychological/sociological.
愛着 (あいちゃく) is a healthy, warm attachment, while 執着 (しゅうちゃく) implies clinging or obsession, often with negative connotations. Use 愛着 for fondness and 執着 when the attachment is excessive or unhealthy.
I have an attachment to my childhood stuffed animal. (healthy)
I'm still attached to my ex-boyfriend. (unhealthy obsession)
While アタッチメント is used for physical accessories, it is not used for email attachments. Use 添付ファイル or 添付 for digital files.
Please attach the file to the email.
I have a strong emotional attachment to this old watch.
Please find the attachment in the email.
The vacuum comes with several attachments for different surfaces.
I've attached the document.
このミキサーには多くの付属品が付いています。
This blender comes with many attachments.
Using this attachment, you can easily install the shelf.
Provisional attachment or temporary seizure before a final judgment.
The court granted a provisional attachment.
センサーの装着方法を説明します。
I will explain the method of attachment for the sensor.
この部品は接着で固定する。
This part is fixed by attachment (gluing).
彼は会社に忠誠を誓った。
He pledged his attachment (loyalty) to the company.
Increase employees' attachment (sense of belonging).