べたつく

godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb

be sticky; cling

Describes a surface that feels sticky or tacky to the touch, or something that clings unpleasantly. Often used for sweat, humidity, or adhesive substances.

• 暑あつくて肌はだがべたつく。

  It's so hot my skin feels sticky.

• このシールはべたついてうまく貼はれない。

  This sticker is too sticky and won't stick properly.

godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb

be close together; be stuck together

Used when things are pressed or stuck closely together, often with an unpleasant or excessive closeness. Less common than the sticky sense.

• 満まん員いん電でん車しゃで人ひとと人ひとがべたつくように立たっている。

  On the crowded train, people are standing so close they're practically stuck together.