付ける
Meaning in Englishto attach, to join, to add
Animated kanji stroke order
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Word context
What it means
What does 付ける mean? It means to attach or affix something to another object, or to apply, add, or set something in place; the action of putting on or applying something for a function, adornment, or labeling.
Main meanings
- to attach or affix something to another object
- to apply or put on something like sauce, makeup, or a label
- to add or assign a feature or accessory to something
- to put on or wear an item in some contexts
How to use it
Used as a transitive verb with a direct object marked by を, indicating the action of attaching, applying, or adding to the object. It spans everyday casual speech and formal writing; in compounds it expands to meanings like install, equip, or set a feature. Examples of typical usage include naming, labeling, affixing parts or accessories, applying substances, and activating features in software or devices.
Variants and close terms
- 貼る (はる, haru) — to paste, to stick
- 取り付ける (とりつける, toritsukeru) — to install or mount
- 着ける (つける, tsukeru) — to put on/display on the body or surface in some contexts
- 名前を付ける (なまえをつける, namae o tsukeru) — to give a name
Composition
- 付: to attach, to affix
- ける: verb-forming kana suffix turning the kanji into a transitive verb
Etymology
つく → つける via the transitive suffix -eru; this pattern creates a transitive verb from an intransitive base, reflecting a common morpho-phonetic shift in Japanese verb formation.
Word class
verb (ichidan, ru-verb) (動詞, 一段動詞 / る-ending)