Japanese symbol for “cling”
付く
つく
Romaji: tsuku
to be attached; to be connected with; to adhere; to stick
In Japanese, cling is 付く, read つく (tsuku).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- v5k, vi to be attached; to be connected with; to adhere; to stick; to cling
- v5k, vi to remain imprinted; to scar; to stain; to dye
- v5k, vi to bear (fruit, interest, etc.)
- v5k, vi to be acquired (of a habit, ability, etc.); to increase (of strength, etc.)
- v5k, vi to take root
- v5k, vi to accompany; to attend; to follow; to study with
Written forms: 付く、附く. Readings: つく.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “cling”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 張り付く | はりつく haritsuku | to stick (to); to cling (to); to adhere (to) |
| しがみ付く | しがみつく shigamitsuku | to cling |
| 纏わり付く | まとわりつく matowaritsuku | to coil around; to twine around; to cling (to) |
| ついて回る | ついてまわる tsuitemawaru | to follow (someone) around; to cling (to); to dog |
| じゃれ付く | じゃれつく jaretsuku | to coil around (of a child or animal); to grab (usu. out of playfulness or affection); to cling |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 付近 | ふきん fukin | neighborhood; neighbourhood; vicinity |
| 付属 | ふぞく fuzoku | being attached (to); being affiliated (to); belonging (to) |
| 付き合い | つきあい tsukiai | association; socializing; socialising |
| 受付 | うけつけ uketsuke | reception (desk); information desk; receptionist |
| 寄付 | きふ kifu | contribution; donation |
| 日付 | ひづけ hizuke | date; dating |
See also: Chinese symbol for “cling”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.