Translation guide
How to express 'tying up' in Japanese, covering physical binding, securing objects, and figurative uses like being busy or concluding matters.
To tie someone or something up with rope, string, etc., restricting movement.
The most common verb for tying up a person or animal. Implies binding tightly to restrict movement.
We tied up the thief.
Please don't tie the dog to the tree.
To tie someone/something to something else, emphasizing fastening to a fixed point.
He was tied to the chair.
To tie up or bundle, often used for tying things together (e.g., hair, packages). Less common for restraining people.
She tied her hair back.
To tie up a package, bundle, or loose items to keep them together or secure.
Also used for tying up objects like bundles of newspapers or luggage.
Please tie up the newspapers with string.
To tie, knot, or fasten. Often used for tying shoelaces, ribbons, or making knots. Can imply a neater or more deliberate tie than 縛る.
To bundle or tie up, often used for tying the top of a bag or bunching items together.
To be tied up with work or other commitments, unable to do other things.
Literally 'can't let go of one's hands'. A natural way to say you're tied up and can't attend to something else.
I'm tied up right now, so I'll call you later.
Literally 'so busy my hands can't go around'. Means you're swamped and can't handle additional tasks.
Means being busy or engaged in something, often used when someone is tied up with a task or visitors.
We are currently tied up (busy).
To tie up loose ends, finalize details, or bring something to a close.
To tidy up, settle, or finish off. Used for tying up loose ends in work or personal matters.
I'll tie up the remaining work.
To settle, conclude, or put an end to something. Often used for disputes or long-standing issues.
Let's tie up that issue.
To bring to a close, wrap up. Commonly used for concluding events, speeches, or projects.
To moor or secure a boat with ropes.
縛る (shibaru) is for binding tightly, often to restrict movement. 結ぶ (musubu) is for tying knots or fastening neatly (shoelaces, ribbons). 括る (kukuru) is for bundling or tying the top of something (a bag, hair).
Do not use 縛られる (shibarareru) to mean 'I'm tied up (busy)'. It would be interpreted as being physically bound. Use phrases like 手が離せない or 忙しい instead.
I tied my shoelaces.
Tie a ribbon.
Tie up the opening of the bag.
I'm tied up this week and can't manage anything else.
I'll tie up the meeting.