Translation guide
A fastener is a device that joins or secures things together. In Japanese, the word depends on what is being fastened and how.
To refer to a fastener in a broad sense, such as a clip, clasp, or catch on a bag, clothing, or container.
General term for a fastening device or fitting. Used for clasps, catches, and various hardware.
The fastener on this bag broke.
Loanword from 'fastener', but in Japanese it almost exclusively means 'zipper'. Use with caution.
In Japanese, ファスナー means 'zipper', not a general fastener. Do not use for buttons, snaps, or clips.
ファスナーを閉めてください。
Please zip up the zipper.
To refer specifically to a zipper on clothing, bags, etc.
The most common word for 'zipper'.
ジャケットのファスナーが引っかかった。
The zipper on my jacket got stuck.
Informal word for 'zipper', often used in casual conversation. Originally a brand name.
チャックが開いてるよ。
Your zipper is open.
Less common loanword for 'zipper', sometimes used in product descriptions.
To refer to a button used to fasten clothing.
Standard word for 'button'.
シャツのボタンが取れた。
A button came off my shirt.
To refer to a snap fastener, often used on clothing or bags.
Short for 'snap button'. Commonly used.
スナップが外れやすい。
The snap fastener comes undone easily.
To refer to Velcro or hook-and-loop tape.
Common term for hook-and-loop fastener, derived from a brand name (like Velcro).
マジックテープで留める。
Fasten with Velcro.
Generic term for hook-and-loop fastener, often used in technical contexts.
To refer to a metal or plastic clasp, often with a hinged mechanism.
General term for a metal clasp or catch.
留め金が固くて開かない。
The clasp is stiff and won't open.
Loanword for 'buckle', used for belts, bags, and shoes.
To refer to a brass fastener used to hold papers together.
Specifically a split pin or paper fastener.
書類を割りピンで綴じる。
Fasten the documents with a split pin.
To refer to a staple used in a stapler.
Literally 'stapler needle'. ホッチキス is the common word for stapler.
ホッチキスの針が切れた。
The stapler ran out of staples.
Loanword 'staple', but less common than ホッチキスの針.
ステープルを補充する。
Refill the staples.
The English loanword ファスナー specifically means 'zipper'. Using it for buttons, snaps, or other fasteners will cause confusion. Use 留め具 for a general term.
このバッグはジッパー付きです。
This bag comes with a zipper.
Full term for 'snap button', used in sewing and crafts.
スナップボタンを縫い付ける。
Sew on a snap fastener.
面ファスナーは繰り返し使える。
Hook-and-loop fasteners can be used repeatedly.
The belt buckle broke.