Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Attachment" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "attachment", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
添付
てんぷ (tempu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
貼付
ちょうふ (chōfu)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "attachment" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 添付 and 貼付.
In Japanese, 添付 (てんぷ (tempu)) is typically associated with "attachment (e.g., to an email), enclosure" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Commonly used when referring to attaching files to emails or documents, or enclosing something with a letter..
On the other hand, 貼付 (ちょうふ (chōfu)) maps to "attachment; pasting; affixing" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 比較的フォーマルな文脈で、書類や物品に写真、切手、ラベルなどを「貼り付けること」を指します。日常会話では「貼る. A literal translation of "attachment" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "添付"
履歴書をメールに添付して送ってください。
Please attach your resume to the email and send it.
Bilingual Context for "貼付"
履歴書には、必ず顔写真を貼付してください。
Please be sure to attach a passport-sized photo to your resume.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "履歴書をメールに ＿＿＿ して送ってください。" (Meaning: "Please attach your resume to the email and send it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "添付" fits here because it means "attachment (e.g., to an email), enclosure" in the context of: "Please attach your resume to the email and send it.". "貼付" represents "attachment; pasting; affixing".