How to Say "Hugs" in Japanese

ハグ

hagu[ha̠ɡɯ̟]

The English phrase 'hugs' is translated into Japanese as ハグ (hagu).

ハグ refers to the act of holding someone closely in one's arms to show affection or greeting.

Which one should you use?

While ハグ is a loanword used for 'hugs', the term 抱擁 is also used to refer to a hug.

hagu

If you are reading a Japanese text and see the word 抱擁, it might be describing a 'hug' in a grand, poetic sense, such as 'embracing an ideal' rather than a physical person.
In some Japanese social contexts, a 'hug' may be perceived as an invasive gesture if the social hierarchy between the two people is not clearly established.
The verb form ハグする describes the action, but in romantic contexts, people may use the word 抱きしめる to express the emotional intensity of 'holding someone tight'.

彼女は深い抱擁で私を迎えた。
She greeted me with a deep hug.
故郷に戻った時、親戚たちから抱擁を受けた。
When I returned to my hometown, I received hugs from my relatives.
友達とハグして別れを告げた。
I hugged my friend to say goodbye.
悲しい時には、彼女は私を抱きしめてくれる。
When I'm sad, she hugs me.
最後にハグをしました。
Saigo ni hagu o shimashita.
We hugged at the end.
ハグをしたいです。
Hagu o shitai desu.
I want to hug you.
彼女はハグが大好きです。
Kanojo wa hagu ga daisuki desu.
She loves hugs.

A couple is saying goodbye at the airport.

Sources

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