くっつける

くっつける

to attach

JLPT N2

Meaning and Usage

The verb くっつける means "to attach" or "to stick something to another thing." It often implies physically joining two objects so they stay connected. This can be used for things like sticking labels, posters, or even body parts like hands.

Common Collocations

  • ラベルをくっつける: to attach a label
  • 壁にくっつける: to stick on the wall
  • 手をくっつける: to put hands together

These collocations show how くっつける is used with various objects and body parts.

Register and Nuance

くっつける is casual and commonly used in everyday conversation. It is less formal than 貼る (はる), which also means "to stick" but is more neutral or formal.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse くっつける with 貼る. Remember, くっつける emphasizes the act of making two things stick together, often physically joining them, while 貼る focuses on the act of pasting or sticking something onto a surface.

Example Sentences

このはこにラベルをくっつけてください。

Please attach the label to this box.

こどもたちはてをくっつけてあそんでいる。

The children are playing by putting their hands together.

かべにポスターをくっつけるのはかんたんだ。

It's easy to stick a poster on the wall.