Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'sticking to' in Japanese, covering physical adhesion, persistence, adherence to rules, and more.
Describing something physically sticking to a surface or object.
A common, casual verb for sticking or clinging to something. Often used for things like stickers, food, or small objects.
ガムが靴にくっついた。
Gum stuck to my shoe.
To stick or adhere firmly, often used for flat things like posters or tape. Implies a stronger attachment.
ポスターが壁に貼り付いている。
The poster is stuck to the wall.
A technical term for adhesion, used in contexts like glue or tape. Sounds formal.
このテープはよく粘着する。
This tape sticks well.
Continuing with a task, plan, or belief despite difficulties.
To stick to something stubbornly, often with a negative nuance of being inflexible. Used for opinions, plans, or methods.
彼は自分の意見に固執した。
He stuck to his opinion.
To stick to one's principles or beliefs with determination, often positive. Implies seeing something through to the end.
彼女は自分の信念を貫いた。
She stuck to her beliefs.
To be particular about or stick to something, often about details or quality. Can be positive or negative depending on context.
彼は細かい点にこだわる。
He sticks to the details.
Literally 'to protect', but used for sticking to rules, promises, or schedules. Common in everyday speech.
約束を守ってください。
Please stick to your promise.
Following rules, guidelines, or a predetermined plan without deviation.
To follow or obey rules, instructions, or a schedule. Neutral and widely used.
ルールに従ってください。
Please stick to the rules.
To do something exactly as planned or as instructed. Often used with nouns like 計画 (plan) or 指示 (instructions).
計画通りに進めましょう。
Let's stick to the plan.
To strictly observe or adhere to rules, often used in formal or official contexts.
時間厳守でお願いします。
Please stick to the time strictly.
Remaining near someone or something, often for support or safety.
To stay by someone's side. Common in everyday conversation.
私のそばにいてください。
Please stick with me.
To stick to someone and not leave, often used for children or pets. Can sound clingy.
子供が母親にくっついて離れない。
The child sticks to his mother and won't leave her side.
Remaining on the subject without digressing.
To bring the conversation back to the main topic. Not a direct translation but a natural way to express sticking to the point.
話を本題に戻しましょう。
Let's stick to the topic.
To not go off on a tangent. Used in discussions or presentations.
会議では脱線しないようにしましょう。
Let's stick to the agenda in the meeting.
固執する (koshuu suru) often implies stubbornness and a negative nuance, while こだわる (kodawaru) can be positive when referring to attention to detail or quality. Use 固執する for inflexible adherence and こだわる for being particular about something.
彼は自分のやり方に固執して、他の意見を聞かない。
He sticks to his own way and doesn't listen to others.
彼女は素材にこだわった料理を作る。
She makes dishes sticking to quality ingredients.
Avoid directly translating 'stick to' as くっつく in non-physical contexts. For example, 'stick to the plan' should not be 計画にくっつく (unnatural). Use 計画通りにする or 計画に従う instead.