Translation guide
The English verb 'cling' describes holding on tightly, sticking closely, or emotionally depending on someone. Japanese expresses these ideas through different verbs and phrases depending on what is being clung to and the nuance.
To grasp or hold onto something or someone firmly, often for support or out of fear.
The most common and natural way to say 'cling to' something physically, often with a sense of desperation or not letting go.
The child clung to his mother.
He clung to the cliff and waited for help.
Similar to しがみつく, but often implies clinging out of emotional need or desperation, sometimes with a nuance of pleading.
She clung to him, not wanting to break up.
To cling by embracing or throwing one's arms around someone. More about hugging tightly.
Startled, I clung to him.
To cling to someone or something in a desperate, often pleading manner. More literary or dramatic.
He clung to his mentor, begging for help.
For something to stay attached to a surface, often due to moisture, static, or stickiness.
General, casual verb for sticking or clinging, used for objects, substances, or even people staying close.
The wet shirt clung to my skin.
To cling or stick flat against a surface, often used for paper, leaves, or fabric. Implies a flat, tight adhesion.
To cling annoyingly or persistently, often used for things that wrap around or follow you (like smoke, smell, or a child).
To stay very near someone, often in an annoying or dependent way.
To follow around, cling to someone persistently, often with a negative nuance of being a nuisance.
My little brother clung to me all day.
To follow someone around closely, literally 'go around sticking to'. Casual.
The puppy keeps clinging to me.
To rely excessively on someone emotionally, unable to let go.
To persistently maintain a belief, hope, or memory, often despite difficulties.
Both mean to cling tightly, but しがみつく emphasizes the physical act of holding on, while すがりつく often carries an emotional nuance of desperation or pleading. すがりつく is commonly used when someone begs or emotionally clings to another person.
A child clings to a parent (physically).
She clings to him (emotionally).
While くっつく can mean 'cling' in a physical sense, using it for emotional dependence (e.g., 'cling to a relationship') sounds unnatural. Use 依存する or しがみつく instead.
The magnet is clinging to the fridge.
汗で服が体に張り付いた。
My clothes clung to my body with sweat.
The smell of smoke clung to my clothes.
I'm still clinging to hope.