Translation guide
How to express 'stick to' in Japanese, covering adherence to rules, persistence in activities, physical adhesion, and more.
To follow or abide by something like a rule, schedule, or principle without deviation.
General verb for 'to protect' or 'to observe', commonly used for rules, promises, and schedules.
ルールを守ってください。
Please stick to the rules.
彼はいつも約束を守る。
He always sticks to his promises.
Means 'to follow' or 'to obey', often used for rules, orders, or instructions.
規則に従って行動しなさい。
Act in accordance with the rules.
Formal term meaning 'to adhere stubbornly' to a principle or idea, often with a negative nuance of inflexibility.
彼は自分の意見に固執する。
He sticks stubbornly to his own opinion.
To continue doing something without giving up, like a diet, study, or routine.
The most common way to say 'to continue' or 'to keep doing' something.
毎日運動を続けています。
I stick to exercising every day.
彼はその仕事を続けた。
He stuck to the job.
Means 'to see something through' or 'to carry out to the end', emphasizing perseverance.
Literally 'to be sticky', used figuratively for 'to persist' or 'to stick it out'.
To be attached or stuck to a surface, or to stay close to someone/something.
Casual verb for 'to stick to' or 'to cling to', used for physical adhesion.
ガムが靴にくっついた。
Gum stuck to my shoe.
Formal/technical term for 'to adhere' or 'to stick to' a surface.
ほこりが服に付着した。
Dust stuck to my clothes.
Means 'to stick fast' or 'to be plastered to', often used for posters or stickers.
To remain faithful or supportive to a person or group.
Means 'to side with' or 'to support', implying loyalty.
彼はいつも私の味方をしてくれる。
He always sticks by me.
Literally 'not separate', used to express staying close to someone.
子供は母親から離れなかった。
The child stuck to his mother.
To not deviate from the subject or main issue.
Means 'not to stray from the main topic'.
本題からそれないでください。
Please stick to the point.
Means 'to bring the conversation back to the original topic'.
話を元に戻しましょう。
Let's stick to the subject.
The English phrase 'stick to' is highly idiomatic. Direct translations like 棒に付く (bō ni tsuku) are nonsensical. Always choose a Japanese expression based on the specific meaning you intend.
He stuck to the plan until the end.
He stuck it out until the end and won.
ポスターが壁に張り付いている。
The poster is stuck to the wall.