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.
壁に絵が掛かっています。
The picture is hanging on the wall.
彼は絞首刑に処されました。
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.
壁に絵が掛かっている。
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.
天井からランプが吊るされている。
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.
猿が木の枝にぶら下がっている。
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.
洗濯物を干す前にハンガーに掛ける。
I hang the laundry on hangers before drying.
コートをクローゼットに掛けてください。
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.
The method of capital punishment where a person is hanged by the neck.
The formal term for execution by hanging. Used in legal or historical contexts.
彼は絞首刑に処された。
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.
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.
彼女の長い髪が肩に垂れている。
Her long hair is hanging over her shoulders.
ロープが窓から垂れている。
A rope is hanging from the window.
Onomatopoeic, emphasizing a dangling, swaying motion. Casual.
猫のしっぽがぶらんとしている。
The cat's tail is hanging loosely.
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.
部屋にタバコの煙が漂っている。
Cigarette smoke is hanging in the room.
不穏な空気が漂っている。
A tense atmosphere is hanging in the air.
Can also be used for fog or mist hanging over an area.
山に霧がかかっている。
Mist is hanging over the mountain.
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.
カレンダーを壁に掛ける。
Hang a calendar on the wall.
風鈴を吊るす。
Hang a wind chime.
バッグをドアノブにぶら下げる。
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'.
壁には数枚の絵が掛かっていた。
There were several paintings hanging on the wall.
彼は木にぶら下がっているのが見つかった。
He was found hanging from a tree.
Hang a wind chime from the eaves.
Suicides by hanging are increasing.