Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'hug' depends on the relationship, formality, and whether it's a physical embrace or a metaphorical one. The most common word is ハグ (hagu), a casual loanword. For a tighter, more emotional embrace, 抱きしめる (dakishimeru) is used. In formal or written contexts, 抱擁 (hōyō) appears. Note that direct translations can sound awkward; often, actions are described rather than using a single verb.
To describe or perform a light, friendly embrace, often between friends or family, or in casual settings.
A loanword from English, very common in casual speech. Used as a noun or a suru-verb (ハグする). It implies a light, friendly hug, not necessarily romantic.
I hugged my friend.
ハグしてもいい？
Can I hug you?
Literally 'cling to', this verb describes the action of throwing one's arms around someone, often impulsively or affectionately. It can be used for both people and animals.
子供が母親に抱きついた。
The child hugged his mother tightly.
To express a deep, affectionate, or romantic hug, often with strong emotion.
The most common verb for a tight, heartfelt embrace. It implies holding someone close, often in romantic or emotional contexts. Transitive verb.
彼女を強く抱きしめた。
I hugged her tightly.
再会して抱きしめ合った。
We hugged each other when we reunited.
A general verb for 'hold in one's arms', but can mean 'hug' in certain contexts. Often used for holding children or pets. Can also have a sexual connotation, so use with care.
Can imply sexual intimacy depending on context. For a pure hug, 抱きしめる is safer.
To describe a hug in formal writing, news, or literature.
A formal noun meaning 'embrace'. Often used in written language or formal speeches. Can be used with する to mean 'to embrace'.
二人は抱擁を交わした。
The two exchanged an embrace.
To express 'hug' in a non-physical sense, such as hugging an idea, a memory, or nature.
Also used metaphorically, e.g., 'the embrace of nature'.
自然の抱擁に包まれる。
Embraced by nature.
Can be used metaphorically in poetic language, e.g., 'hugging a memory'.
To ask for or offer a hug in a natural way.
Casual request: 'Hug me.' Used among close friends or family.
ねえ、ハグして。
Hey, give me a hug.
Casual way to ask 'Can I hug you?'
ハグしてもいい？
Can I hug you?
Asking permission for a tighter, more emotional hug. Slightly more intimate.
抱きしめてもいい？
Can I hold you tight?
English 'hug' is often used lightly ('I hugged my friend goodbye'), but direct Japanese equivalents can sound overly emotional or awkward. Use ハグ for casual situations, and reserve 抱きしめる for deeper emotions.
ハグ is a light, friendly hug, often as a greeting. 抱きしめる is a tight, emotional embrace, often romantic or deeply affectionate. Using 抱きしめる in a casual context may feel too intense.
友達と別れるときにハグした。
I hugged my friend when we parted.
恋人を抱きしめた。
I embraced my lover.
Hold a baby in one's arms.
思い出を抱きしめて生きる。
Living while hugging memories.