Translation guide
The act of attaching things with adhesive. In Japanese, the most common verb is 貼る (haru) for sticking flat things like paper or stickers, while 接着する (setchaku suru) is more technical for bonding materials. The choice depends on what is being glued and the context.
Expressing the action of attaching something flat to a surface using glue or adhesive.
The most common verb for sticking flat things like paper, stamps, or tape onto a surface. Transitive verb.
I stick a stamp on the envelope.
I put up a poster on the wall (using glue/tape).
A casual, general verb meaning 'to attach' or 'to stick'. Can be used for gluing, but also for other methods of attachment. Often used in everyday speech.
I glued the broken toy back together.
Expressing the action of joining parts or materials using glue, often in crafts, repairs, or manufacturing.
A technical verb meaning 'to bond' or 'to adhere'. Used for strong, permanent gluing, often with specific adhesives. Common in instructions and industrial contexts.
I bond wood and plastic together.
This glue can bond metal as well.
Same as above, but used in compound nouns like 接着剤 (adhesive).
Literally 'to paste together', used for gluing layers or sheets together, like laminating or making plywood.
Expressing the simple action of using glue without specifying the object or method.
A common phrase meaning 'to attach with glue'. のり (nori) is the general word for glue or paste. Suitable for everyday situations like arts and crafts.
I glue the paper on.
I glued origami pieces together to make a decoration.
Similar to above but specifies 'with adhesive', implying a stronger bond than simple paste.
貼る (haru) is for sticking flat, thin objects like paper, stamps, or tape onto surfaces. 接着する (setchaku suru) is for bonding materials together with strong adhesive, often in technical or repair contexts. Using 貼る for gluing a broken vase would sound odd; use 接着する or くっつける instead.
In English, 'gluing' can be a noun (the act of gluing). In Japanese, it's more natural to use the verb phrase or a noun like 接着 (setchaku). For example, 'Gluing is difficult' would be 接着は難しい rather than a direct translation of the gerund.
I glue the parts together with adhesive.
I glue boards together to make a table.
I glued the broken plate back together.