Translation guide
The English verb 'tuck' has several distinct physical actions and a few idiomatic uses. This guide covers the most common meanings for learners: pushing or folding the edge of something (like a shirt) into place, putting something into a confined space, positioning a body part snugly, and the phrase 'tuck in' for eating or covering in bed.
To secure or neaten fabric, paper, etc. by pushing its edge under or behind something.
General verb meaning to push or stuff something into a space. Works for tucking in shirts, sheets, etc.
シャツをズボンに押し込んだ。
I tucked my shirt into my pants.
シーツの端をマットレスの下に押し込んでください。
Please tuck the edge of the sheet under the mattress.
Means to insert or pinch something between two things. Often used for tucking hair behind an ear or a napkin under a chin.
髪を耳に挟んだ。
I tucked my hair behind my ear.
Specifically means to fold something in. Used for tucking in the edges of fabric when sewing, or folding a flap inside.
縫い代を折り込んでください。
Please tuck in the seam allowance.
To place an object into a small, secure, or hidden spot.
General verb for putting something away in its proper place. Implies tidying or storing.
鍵をポケットにしまった。
I tucked the key into my pocket.
おもちゃを箱にしまいなさい。
Tuck your toys away in the box.
Means to hide or conceal. Use when the focus is on keeping something out of sight.
To insert or slot something into a narrow opening. Good for tucking a card into a slot or a bookmark into a book.
To draw a limb close to the body or into a compact position.
Means to hold or hug something tightly to oneself. Commonly used for tucking knees to the chest.
彼女は膝を抱え込んで座った。
She sat with her knees tucked up to her chest.
To pull something closer. Can be used for tucking a limb in.
To bend or fold a joint. Used for tucking an arm or leg into a specific position, like in gymnastics.
To start eating with enthusiasm, often used in British English.
Simple phrase meaning 'to start eating'. Can be used in casual contexts.
さあ、みんな、食べ始めよう！
Come on everyone, tuck in!
Means to eat greedily or wolf down food. Captures the enthusiastic sense of 'tuck in'.
彼は料理にがつがつ食べ始めた。
He tucked into the meal.
To arrange bedclothes around someone, usually a child, to make them comfortable.
Literally 'to put a futon/blanket over someone'. The most natural way to express tucking someone in bed in Japanese.
母は私に布団をかけてくれた。
My mother tucked me in.
Means to put a child to bed and soothe them to sleep. Includes the whole bedtime routine, not just the tucking.
毎晩、子供を寝かしつける。
I tuck my child in every night.
English 'tuck' covers many specific actions. Japanese often uses different verbs depending on what is being tucked and where. Avoid using a single Japanese word for all meanings.
押し込む (oshikomu) emphasizes pushing into a tight space. 挟む (hasamu) is for pinching between two surfaces. しまう (shimau) is for putting away neatly. Choose based on the action.
彼女は手紙をバッグにしまった。
She tucked the letter into her bag.
膝を胸に抱え込んで。
Tuck your knees to your chest.
He tucked the letter between the pages of a book.
しおりを本に差し込んだ。
I tucked a bookmark into the book.
足を引き寄せて、小さく丸まった。
I tucked my legs in and curled up into a ball.
体操の選手は体を折り曲げて、タイトな姿勢をとった。
The gymnast tucked her body into a tight position.