Translation guide
The English word 'hanging' can refer to the act of suspending something, the state of being suspended, or the method of execution. This guide covers common Japanese expressions for these meanings, from everyday objects to formal contexts.
The picture is hanging on the wall.
He was executed by hanging.
Describing something that is attached at the top and hangs down, like a picture on a wall or a lamp from the ceiling.
The most common way to say something is hanging, using the verb 掛かる (to hang). Often used for pictures, clothes, curtains, etc.
A picture is hanging on the wall.
Curtains are hanging at the window.
Used when something is suspended by a string, rope, or wire, often from the ceiling. Implies dangling freely.
A lamp is hanging from the ceiling.
Casual, often for things hanging loosely or swinging, like a monkey from a branch or a bag from a hook.
A monkey is hanging from a tree branch.
The action of placing something so that it hangs, like hanging laundry or a coat.
The transitive verb meaning to hang something. Used for clothes, pictures, etc.
The method of capital punishment where a person is hanged by the neck.
Something that hangs down limply, like hair, a rope, or a loose thread.
Describes something hanging down, often limply or droopingly. Used for hair, ropes, vines, etc.
Something that remains floating or suspended in the air, like mist, smoke, or a feeling.
Used for things that hang in the air, like smoke, scent, or an atmosphere. Implies drifting or lingering.
掛ける is the general verb for hanging something on a hook, hanger, or wall. 吊るす implies suspending from above with a string or wire, often dangling freely. ぶら下げる is casual and suggests hanging something loosely so it swings.
Hang a calendar on the wall.
There were several paintings hanging on the wall.
I hang the laundry on hangers before drying.
Please hang your coat in the closet.
To hang something by a string or wire, often from above. Used for lamps, decorations, or hanging plants.
Hang a wind chime from the eaves.
The formal term for execution by hanging. Used in legal or historical contexts.
He was sentenced to death by hanging.
Literally 'neck hanging', can refer to suicide by hanging or the act itself. More direct and less formal.
Can be blunt or insensitive; use with care.
Suicides by hanging are increasing.
Her long hair is hanging over her shoulders.
A rope is hanging from the window.
Onomatopoeic, emphasizing a dangling, swaying motion. Casual.
The cat's tail is hanging loosely.
Cigarette smoke is hanging in the room.
A tense atmosphere is hanging in the air.
Can also be used for fog or mist hanging over an area.
Mist is hanging over the mountain.
Hang a wind chime.
Hang a bag on the doorknob.
The English loanword ハンギング is not commonly used in Japanese. It may appear in fashion contexts (e.g., ハンギングバスケット for hanging basket) but is not a general translation for 'hanging'.
He was found hanging from a tree.