タグ付け

• Reading: タグつけ
• Romaji: taguzuke
• Kanji breakdown: タグ (tagu, from English 'tag') + 付け (zuke, attaching) → attaching a tag
• Pronunciation: /ta.gu.zu.ke/

Meaning

Tagging — mentioning or linking someone's account in a social media post or photo so they receive a notification.

タグ付け refers to the act of associating someone's social media account with a post, photo, or story. On Instagram, it commonly means tagging someone in a photo; on Twitter, it can mean @mentioning someone. Unwanted タグ付け (being tagged in unflattering photos or spam) is a common social media complaint, and many users adjust their settings to require approval before tags appear on their profile.

Examples

1. 勝手にタグ付けしないでって言ったのに。 I told you not to tag me without asking first.
2. 集合写真撮ったからみんなタグ付けしとくね。 I took a group photo so I'll tag everyone.
3. タグ付けされた投稿に変な顔で写ってて最悪。 I got tagged in a post where I'm making a weird face — the worst.

Usage Guide

Context: Instagram, Facebook, social media

Tone: neutral, informational

Do Say

• この写真タグ付けしていい？ (Can I tag you in this photo?)
• タグ付けしたら教えるね。 (I'll let you know when I tag you.)

Don't Say

• 許可なく他人をタグ付けする (Don't tag others without permission — especially in embarrassing or unflattering photos)

Common Mistakes

• Confusing タグ付け (tagging a person) with ハッシュタグ (hashtag) — they are different features
• Tagging people in promotional or spam posts — this is considered very rude in Japanese SNS culture

Origin & History

Compound of タグ (tagu, from English 'tag') and 付け (zuke, 'attaching'). Became common vocabulary with the rise of Instagram and Facebook photo tagging features in the early 2010s.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s with Instagram and Facebook adoption

Generation: Millennials and Gen Z

Social background: Social media users

Regional notes: Used across Japan. Asking permission before tagging is considered good manners in Japanese social media etiquette.