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.
彼は古い車に愛着を持っている。
He has an attachment to his old car.
Implies a stronger, sometimes unhealthy attachment or obsession. Often used in negative contexts.
彼女は過去の恋愛に執着している。
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.
この家には思い入れがある。
I have an attachment to this house.
A more formal or literary term for the feeling of attachment. Less common in everyday speech.
子供は母親に強い愛着心を示す。
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.
メールに添付ファイルを付けて送ってください。
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.
添付資料をご確認ください。
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).
掃除機のアタッチメントを交換した。
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.
この取り付け具を使うと簡単に棚が設置できる。
Using this attachment, you can easily install the shelf.
Referring to the legal act of taking property by court order, such as attachment of earnings or bank accounts.
The standard legal term for seizure or attachment of assets. Used in contexts like wage garnishment or property attachment.
給料の差し押さえを命じられた。
An attachment of earnings was ordered.
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.
エアコンの取り付けが完了した。
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.
彼は地元チームに愛着を持っている。
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.
子供の頃のぬいぐるみに愛着がある。
I have an attachment to my childhood stuffed animal. (healthy)
元彼にまだ執着している。
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.
メールにファイルを添付してください。
Please attach the file to the email.
この古い時計には強い愛着があります。
I have a strong emotional attachment to this old watch.
メールの添付ファイルをご覧ください。
Please find the attachment in the email.
その掃除機には、さまざまな面用のアタッチメントがいくつか付いています。
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.
Provisional attachment or temporary seizure before a final judgment.
裁判所は仮差し押さえを認めた。
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.
従業員の帰属意識を高める。
Increase employees' attachment (sense of belonging).