Translation guide
The English word 'tagging' can refer to several different actions: attaching a physical label, marking something with an identifier, adding metadata (like hashtags or keywords), or even graffiti. This guide covers the most common ways to express these ideas in Japanese, organized by meaning.
To physically attach a tag, label, or sticker to an object for identification or pricing.
The most direct and common way to say 'to tag' something physically. タグ is a loanword from English, and 付ける means 'to attach'.
I attach a price tag to the product.
Used when the tag is a sticker or adhesive label. 貼る means 'to stick' or 'to paste'.
I stick an address label on the package.
Specifically for attaching a shipping tag or luggage tag. 荷札 means 'tag' in the context of freight or baggage.
I attach a luggage tag to the suitcase.
To add tags, hashtags, or keywords to digital content like social media posts, photos, or files.
The same phrase as physical tagging, but used in digital contexts. Very common for social media and file management.
I tag the photo.
Specifically for adding hashtags, like on Twitter or Instagram.
I add hashtags to the post.
A more technical or formal way to say 'tagging', often used in software or database contexts. It's a suru-verb.
I tag the file.
To write or spray a tag (signature or symbol) as graffiti.
General term for graffiti or scribbling. Can be used for tagging but is broader.
I do graffiti on the wall.
More specific to graffiti tagging, using 描く (to draw/write).
I tag the train (with graffiti).
The loanword for 'graffiti'. Often used in art or street culture contexts.
To identify or mention someone in a post, photo, or comment, often on social media.
The standard term for tagging a person on social media.
I tag my friend in the photo.
Used specifically for mentioning someone in a post or comment, like on Twitter. From 'mention'.
I mention my friend in a tweet.
While タグを描く is understood, it's not as common as 落書き. For graffiti culture, グラフィティ is often used.
In IT and social media, the English word 'tag' is used directly as タグ. Verbs are formed with する or 付ける.
彼はグラフィティアーティストだ。
He is a graffiti artist.