Translation guide
The English word 'linking' can refer to connecting things physically, logically, or abstractly. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is being linked and the nature of the connection. This guide covers common verbs, nouns, and patterns for expressing 'linking' in various contexts.
To physically or logically connect two or more items, such as linking train cars, linking ideas, or linking devices.
A versatile verb meaning 'to connect' or 'to link'. Used for physical connections (e.g., linking hands, linking train cars) and abstract connections (e.g., linking ideas, linking generations).
We walked holding hands (linking hands).
This road links the two towns.
Means 'to tie together' or 'to link closely'. Often used for abstract relationships, such as linking cause and effect, or linking two concepts.
Please think about it by linking cause and effect.
A more formal or technical term for 'linking' or 'coupling', often used for mechanical or systematic connections (e.g., linking train cars, linking databases).
To link/couple train cars.
To create a clickable link on a webpage or in a document.
To physically link arms or hold hands with someone.
To connect things in a series, like linking events, linking words, or linking actions.
Means 'to chain' or 'to link in a series'. Often used for events, reactions, or causes that are linked together.
Unfortunate events were linked in a chain.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be connected' or 'to be linked'. Used for things that are naturally linked in a sequence.
つなぐ is the most general and can be used for physical and abstract connections. 結びつける emphasizes a strong or logical tie, often abstract. 連結する is technical and used for mechanical or systematic linking.
to hold hands (link hands)
to link theory and practice
to couple/link train cars
The grammatical term 'linking verb' is not directly translated as a verb for 'linking'. Instead, use コピュラ (copula) or describe it as 連結動詞 (れんけつどうし), though this term is not common in everyday Japanese. In most contexts, explaining the concept is better than using a direct translation.
子供たちは手をつないで輪になった。
The children linked hands and formed a circle.
これらの事件はつながっている。
These incidents are linked.