Translation guide
The English verb 'hang' covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean suspending an object, executing someone, lingering in the air, spending time, or other uses.
To attach something so that it is supported from above and its lower part is free.
General verb for hanging something on a hook, hanger, wall, etc. Transitive.
Please hang your coat on the hanger.
I hung a picture on the wall.
To hang something by a string, rope, or line, often from above. Transitive.
I hung a wind chime from the eaves.
To hang something down, suspend. Often used for lights, signs, or objects hanging from a point. Transitive.
Hang a sign.
To dangle or hang something loosely. More casual and vivid. Transitive.
He has keys hanging from his belt.
To be attached or supported from above so that the lower part is free (intransitive).
Intransitive counterpart of 掛ける. Used for pictures, coats, etc. hanging on something.
A picture is hanging on the wall.
To be suspended by a string or rope. Intransitive.
A lamp is hanging from the ceiling.
To dangle or hang loosely. Intransitive. Often used for monkeys, people, or objects swinging.
To kill someone by tying a rope around their neck and letting them drop.
To float or stay in the air without moving much, like smoke, fog, or a smell.
To spend time in a relaxed way, often with friends, without a specific purpose.
To hang around, loiter, or spend time idly. Casual.
Let's hang out in the park.
General verb for playing or hanging out with friends. Very common.
I hung out with my friends.
To laze around, hang around doing nothing productive. Slightly negative nuance.
I was just hanging around at home.
To end a phone call.
Standard expression for hanging up the phone. Literally 'cut the phone'.
He suddenly hung up the phone.
To bend or let something hang downward, like a head in shame or a plant wilting.
To wait for a short time (informal).
Casual way to say 'hang on a moment'. Literally 'wait a little'.
Hang on, I'm coming now.
掛ける is the most general and common for hanging items on hooks, walls, etc. 吊るす implies suspending by a string or rope from above. 下げる emphasizes hanging something down from a fixed point, like a sign or light.
Do not use 掛ける or 吊るす for 'hang out with friends'. Use 遊ぶ or ぶらぶらする instead. Literal translations will sound like you are physically suspending your friends.
hang out with friends
A monkey is hanging from a tree branch.
花の香りが漂っている。
The scent of flowers hangs in the air.
The willow branches are hanging down.