Translation guide
The English word "sticky" covers physical adhesiveness, humid weather, difficult situations, and digital persistence. Japanese uses different words for each meaning.
Describing a surface or substance that things stick to, like tape, glue, or a sticky note.
General term for adhesive properties, used for tapes, labels, etc.
This tape is very sticky.
Common onomatopoeic expression for sticky/tacky feel, often negative (unpleasant residue).
My hands are sticky.
Verb meaning 'to stick to', used for things adhering.
A grain of rice stuck to my clothes.
Describing hot, humid weather that makes you feel sticky.
Standard word for hot and humid, implying stickiness.
It's sticky today, isn't it?
Also used for the sticky feeling on skin due to humidity.
My skin feels sticky from the humidity.
Describing a problematic, awkward, or delicate situation.
Referring to a small piece of paper with adhesive.
Describing a website header, button, or element that stays visible while scrolling.
Means 'fixed' in web design context.
The sticky header stays visible when scrolling.
Loanword used in tech contexts.
Implement a sticky menu.
Do not use 粘着性 (adhesive) for humid weather. Use 蒸し暑い or ベタベタする.
厄介 is more formal and serious; 面倒 is casual and implies annoyance; 微妙 is for delicate, nuanced situations.
The floor was sticky from spilled juice.
I'm in a sticky situation at work.