掛ける
kakeru[ka̠ke̞ɾɯ̟]
To hang (to cause to be suspended) in Japanese is 掛ける (kakeru).
The verb 掛ける is used when an object is suspended or hung against a surface, such as hanging a picture on a wall or a coat on a hook.
Meaning: to cause to be suspended (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 掛ける is the transitive form used when someone hangs something, the intransitive form 掛かる is used to describe the state of something being hung or suspended. Additionally, if the object is hanging freely from a single point, such as a chandelier or a mobile, rather than being placed against a surface, the verb 吊るす is often more appropriate.
How does it change in a sentence?
掛ける is a transitive verb, meaning the subject performs the action of hanging an object onto something else.
How do you pronounce it?
kakeru
Did you know?
- In Japanese, you use 掛ける to describe the act of locking a door, effectively 'hanging' or 'applying' the lock.
- The word 掛ける is used when sitting in a chair, whereas 座る is used for sitting on a flat surface like a mat.
- The verb 掛ける is a multi-purpose 'Swiss army knife' in Japanese, used for hanging objects, calling someone on the phone, or even wearing glasses.
Examples in context
- 私は壁にカレンダーを掛ける。I hang the calendar on the wall.This sentence shows how to use 掛ける to describe hanging a calendar on a wall.Tatoeba #2860761 by Nekonari, translation #8704662 by chanchan
- この絵を壁に吊るすことができますか？Can I hang this picture on the wall?
- コートをフックにぶら下げてください。Please hang your coat on the hook.
- クリスマスツリーに飾りを掛けましょう。Let's hang decorations on the Christmas tree.
- 大会が終わった後、選手たちは頭をさげました。After the tournament ended, the players hung their heads in disappointment.
- 窓にカーテンを掛ける。mado ni kaaten o kakeru.Hang curtains on the window.
Example conversation
A couple is decorating their new living room.
- 大翔 Hirotoここに絵を掛けてもいい？koko ni e o kakete mo ii?Can I hang a picture here?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、大翔、いいよ。un, Hiroto, ii yo.Yes, Hiroto, that's fine.
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、この絵を掛けるね。jaa, kono e o kakeru ne.Then, I'll hang this picture.
- 陽葵 Himari素敵だと思う！suteki da to omou!I think it will look lovely!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hang” translations and entries 掛ける, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
