張り付く

• Reading: はりつく
• Romaji: haritsuku
• Kanji breakdown: 張 (chō/ha) — stretch, spread; 付 (fu/tsu) — attach, stick
• Pronunciation: /ha.ɾi.t͡sɯ.kɯ/

Meaning

To stick to; to cling; to adhere tenaciously; to be glued to a spot. Used for physical clinging and metaphorical fixation.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb from 張る (haru, to stretch/tense) and 付く (tsuku, to become attached). Physically describes the adherence of something moist or sticky — wet clothes clinging to skin, tape bonding to a surface. Figuratively, describes a person who stays fixed to a spot (like a surveillance operative) or cannot shake a thought from their mind.

Examples

1. 汗でシャツが背中に張り付いて不快だった。 My shirt was clinging to my back with sweat, and it was uncomfortable.
2. 刑事は容疑者の後を張り付くように尾行した。 The detective tailed the suspect, sticking to him like glue.
3. 問題の解決策が思い浮かばず、その考えが頭に張り付いて離れなかった。 Unable to come up with a solution, the thought clung to my mind and wouldn't let go.

Usage Guide

Context: physical sensation, surveillance, fixation, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 張る (haru, to stretch or spread taut) and 付く (tsuku, to stick or become attached). The tension implied in 張る combined with the adhesion of 付く gives a sense of something clinging tightly under pressure or with persistent determination.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal