Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Stick" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "stick", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
貼る
はる (haru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
張る
はる (haru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "stick" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 貼る and 張る.
In Japanese, 貼る (はる (haru)) is typically associated with "to stick, to paste, to put up" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for attaching flat objects like stickers, stamps, posters, or tape to a surface..
On the other hand, 張る (はる (haru)) maps to "to stick, to paste, to stretch, to spread" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 物を表面に貼り付ける、紐などをピンと伸ばす、テントなどを設置するなど、様々な意味で使われる動詞です。. A literal translation of "stick" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "貼る"
壁にポスターを貼ります。
I will put a poster on the wall.
Bilingual Context for "張る"
壁に新しいカレンダーを張った。
I put up a new calendar on the wall.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "壁にポスターを貼ります。" (Meaning: "I will put a poster on the wall.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "貼る" fits here because it means "to stick, to paste, to put up" in the context of: "I will put a poster on the wall.". "張る" represents "to stick, to paste, to stretch, to spread".