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.
Please stick to the rules.
He always sticks to his promises.
Means 'to follow' or 'to obey', often used for rules, orders, or instructions.
Act in accordance with the rules.
Formal term meaning 'to adhere stubbornly' to a principle or idea, often with a negative nuance of inflexibility.
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.
I stick to exercising every day.
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.
Gum stuck to my shoe.
Formal/technical term for 'to adhere' or 'to stick to' a surface.
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.
To not deviate from the subject or main issue.
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 job.
彼はその計画を最後までやり抜いた。
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.