Translation guide
The English phrase "cling to" can express physical holding tightly, emotional dependence, or stubbornly maintaining a belief or hope. This guide organizes natural Japanese expressions by these core meanings.
To grasp or hold onto something or someone tightly, often out of fear or for support.
The most common and natural verb for clinging physically to something or someone, often with a sense of desperation or not letting go.
The child clung to their 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 than holding on for support.
Startled, I clung to him (in an embrace).
To continue to have a feeling, belief, or hope, especially when it is difficult or seems unlikely.
Used with nouns like 希望 (hope), 思い出 (memory), 信仰 (faith). Implies relying on something as a last resort or emotional anchor.
He clung to a faint hope.
She lives clinging to past memories.
Metaphorical extension of physical clinging. Often used for stubbornly holding onto beliefs, status, or outdated ideas.
He clings to old habits.
Formal, written expression meaning to adhere strictly to a principle or belief. Often used in political or ideological contexts.
To stay very close to a person because of emotional need, often in a way that is excessive or annoying.
Adverb meaning 'clingy' or 'attached at the hip'. Describes a person who is overly dependent and always with someone.
She clings to him (is very clingy).
To tag along persistently, often annoyingly. Used for children or pets who won't leave someone alone.
The puppy clings to me and won't leave my side.
To stay attached to a surface, like wet clothes or a sticker.
しがみつく is primarily physical clinging, while すがりつく often adds an emotional, pleading nuance. すがる (without つく) is used for emotional reliance on abstract things like hope or memories, and can also mean to cling to a person for support.
He clung to hope.
She clung to his arm (desperately).
English 'cling to' is often used metaphorically (cling to power, cling to life). In Japanese, direct translation with しがみつく may sound odd for abstract concepts. Use すがる or 固守する for abstract clinging, and しがみつく mainly for physical or stubborn metaphorical clinging.
They cling to traditional values.
汗で服が体に張り付いた。
My clothes clung to my body with sweat.