Translation guide
The English phrase 'tuck up' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: folding or securing something upward (like a hem or sleeves), tucking in bedclothes, and the idiomatic 'tuck into' (eating heartily). It also includes less common meanings like curling up or tucking legs under the body.
To fold or roll up the edge of clothing or fabric and secure it, such as tucking up a hem, sleeves, or a skirt.
Means to roll or tuck up sleeves, trousers, etc. Commonly used for rolling up sleeves before work.
彼は袖をまくり上げた。
He tucked up his sleeves.
Literally 'fold back'. Used for turning up cuffs, hems, or edges.
ジーンズの裾を折り返した。
I tucked up the hem of my jeans.
To tuck up or hitch up clothing, often used for skirts or kimono.
彼女は着物の裾をたくし上げた。
She tucked up the hem of her kimono.
To tuck the edges of blankets or sheets securely under a mattress or around a person.
Describes the action of tucking in the edges of a duvet or blanket. More descriptive than a single verb.
母親は子供の掛け布団の端を押し込んだ。
The mother tucked up the child's blanket.
Means to put a blanket on someone securely, implying tucking in. Less specific about tucking edges under.
寒いので、布団をしっかり掛けてあげた。
Since it was cold, I tucked him up well.
To start eating food eagerly and with enjoyment. Often used as 'tuck into'.
To eat greedily or wolf down food. Casual.
子供たちはケーキをがつがつ食べた。
The kids tucked into the cake.
To eat one's fill; to eat a lot. Slightly more emphasis on quantity.
彼はステーキをたらふく食べた。
He tucked into a steak.
Slang for eating quickly and eagerly, often with mouth open. Very casual.
彼女はおにぎりをパクついた。
She tucked into the rice ball.
To pull one's legs up close to the body, often while sitting or lying down.
Literally 'to hug one's knees'. Describes sitting with knees drawn up to the chest.
彼女はソファで膝を抱えて座っていた。
She sat on the sofa with her legs tucked up.
To bend one's legs. More general, can be used for tucking legs under oneself.
彼は椅子の上で足を折り曲げた。
He tucked his legs up on the chair.
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'tuck up' for bedding. Use descriptive phrases like 掛け布団の端を押し込む (push in the edges of the duvet) or 布団をしっかり掛ける (put the blanket on securely).
まくり上げる is typically for sleeves or pant legs (rolling up), while たくし上げる is often for skirts or kimono (hitching up). Both imply tucking or folding upward.
袖をまくり上げる
tuck up sleeves
着物の裾をたくし上げる
tuck up the hem of a kimono