Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
まといつく Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb
cling to ; follow around persistently ; entwine oneself around
usually written using kana alone
Describes a person, child, or animal that won't leave someone alone, often physically clinging or following closely. Can also be used figuratively for persistent attachment.
The puppy kept following me around, entwining itself around my legs.
Written forms まといつく Usage 95%
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms 纏いつく and 纏い付く are rare.
纏まと い 付つ く Usage 5%
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
纏まと いつく
Rare kanji spelling; the kana form is strongly preferred.
まとい 付つ く
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; uncommon.
Kanji 付 adhere, attach, refer to Similar words まとわりつく Similar meaning of clinging or following persistently, but まとわりつく often implies a more annoying or troublesome attachment, while まといつく can be more neutral or affectionate.
くっつく Means 'to stick to' or 'to cling to' in a physical sense, but does not carry the nuance of following someone around.
Etymology Compound of まとう (matou, 'to put on, to wrap around') + つく (tsuku, 'to stick, to attach'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination yields the sense of wrapping oneself around and sticking to someone.
