Translation guide
The English word 'cuff' has several distinct meanings: the end part of a sleeve or pants leg, a handcuff, a quick hit, and the act of handcuffing. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
The folded or finished edge at the end of a sleeve or pants leg.
Specifically the cuff of a sleeve. Common in clothing contexts.
このシャツは袖口がきつい。
The cuffs on this shirt are tight.
Loanword from English 'cuffs', often used for dress shirt cuffs, especially French cuffs.
カフスボタンを留める。
Fasten the cufflinks.
Refers to the hem or cuff of pants or skirts. Use with caution as it can mean hem in general.
ズボンの裾を直す。
Fix the cuffs of the pants.
A restraining device used by police.
Standard term for handcuffs.
警察が容疑者に手錠をかけた。
The police put handcuffs on the suspect.
To strike with an open hand, usually on the head or ear.
A slap or cuff with an open hand. Can be used as a noun or with する.
彼はいたずらをして母親に平手打ちされた。
He got a cuff from his mother for misbehaving.
Colloquial term for a slap, often on the cheek. More casual than 平手打ち.
うるさいとビンタされた。
I got cuffed for being noisy.
To put handcuffs on someone.
The most common way to say 'to handcuff'.
警官は彼を手錠をかけた。
The officer cuffed him.
English 'cuff' as a light hit is often translated as 平手打ち or ビンタ. Do not use 袖口 or 手錠 for this meaning.