Translation guide
The English verb "wrap" covers several distinct actions: covering something by folding material around it, winding something around an object, and putting arms around someone. Japanese uses different verbs for each core meaning. This guide breaks down the most useful meanings for learners.
To enclose an object in paper, cloth, or similar material by folding it around the object.
The most common and general verb for wrapping something in paper, cloth, etc. It implies covering completely by folding the material around the object.
I wrapped the present in beautiful paper.
She wrapped the baby in a blanket.
A more formal verb often used for commercial or careful wrapping, such as gift wrapping or packaging goods.
Please wrap each item individually.
To wrap something up loosely or to envelop it, often with a sense of rolling or tucking in. Commonly used for wrapping food in seaweed or a blanket around oneself.
I wrapped the rice ball in seaweed.
It was cold, so I wrapped myself in a blanket.
To wind something long and flexible (string, bandage, tape) around an object or body part.
The standard verb for winding or coiling something around. Used for bandages, tape, rope, scarves, etc.
He wrapped a bandage around his arm.
I wrapped a scarf around my neck.
To wrap something around by winding it tightly or securely. Emphasizes the action of attaching by winding.
To embrace or put one's arms around someone, often as a hug or protective gesture.
To hold someone tightly in one's arms; a warm embrace. This is the most natural equivalent for 'wrap one's arms around' in an affectionate context.
She wrapped her arms tightly around her child.
Literally 'to put one's arm(s) around'. Describes the physical action without necessarily implying a tight hug. Often used for casual or comforting gestures.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
To bring something to an end; to finish or conclude an event, meeting, or task.
The most straightforward verb for finishing something. Use with a direct object (e.g., meeting, work).
Let's wrap up the meeting.
To bring things together and conclude; to summarize and finish. Often used for discussions or loose ends.
To wrap up earlier than planned; to cut short and finish. Used when stopping an activity before the scheduled end.
To enclose food by rolling or folding a flexible edible wrapper around a filling.
Used for rolling sushi, wraps, or any food where a sheet is rolled around a filling.
You wrap the rice and fillings in seaweed to make rolled sushi.
Can also be used for wrapping food, especially when folding rather than rolling, such as wrapping a rice ball in seaweed or a dumpling in a skin.
包む (tsutsumu) is for covering something by folding material around it (like wrapping a gift). 巻く (maku) is for winding something long around an object (like a bandage or scarf). If you use the wrong one, it can sound unnatural. For example, 'wrap a present' is プレゼントを包む, not 巻く. 'Wrap a bandage' is 包帯を巻く, not 包む.
Avoid directly translating 'wrap my arms around' as 腕を包む. That sounds like you are covering your arms with something. Use 抱きしめる for a hug or 腕を回す for putting an arm around.
I wrapped the cord around the spool.
She wrapped her arms around him.
I wrapped the cord around the pole.
議論をまとめる時間です。
It's time to wrap up the discussion.
Let's wrap up work here for today.
餃子の皮で具を包む。
Wrap the filling in gyoza skins.