How to Say Hug in Japanese (Because Sometimes Words Matter More Than Arms)

Ever wanted to hug someone in Japan? Let’s talk about it.

So, picture this: You’re in Japan, hanging out with your new Japanese friend, and they just did something so adorable that your first instinct is to give them a warm, heartfelt hug. But wait—just before you go in for the embrace, you pause. You suddenly remember that Japan has, well… different ideas about personal space.

Now, you’re standing there, arms awkwardly half-raised, trying to decide if you should go for it or just pat them on the shoulder like some kind of lost tourist. What do you do?

First step? Learn how to say ‘hug’ in Japanese. That way, even if you can’t physically do it, at least you can talk about it like a pro.

The Many Ways to Say “Hug” in Japanese

Japanese, like a lot of languages, has multiple words for a single concept, depending on the context, level of formality, and emotional nuance.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways to say hug in Japanese and when to use them:

1. Hagu (ハグ) – The Casual, Western-Influenced Hug

This is basically hug in katakana, meaning it was borrowed from English. If you’re in Japan and say “ハグしてもいい？” (Hagu shitemo ii? – Can I give you a hug?), people will understand.

However, be warned: Hugs aren’t as common in Japan as they are in, say, the U.S. or Europe. While hagu sounds familiar, it’s more often associated with affectionate gestures seen in Western media rather than something people do every day.

2. Dakishimeru (抱きしめる) – The Deeply Emotional Hug

If you want to describe a heartfelt, tight hug, like the kind people give when they reunite at the airport after years apart, then dakishimeru is your word.

• It literally means “to embrace tightly” (daku means ‘to hold’ and shimeru means ‘to squeeze or tighten’).
• If you’re feeling dramatic and want to say, “I just want to hold you forever,” you can go with Zutto dakishimetai (ずっと抱きしめたい). Extra points if you whisper it romantically.

3. Daku (抱く) – The Potentially Misleading Hug

Ah, daku—a word that can mean “to hug” but also… other things. 😳

If you innocently say Dakishimete! (抱きしめて！), you’re fine—it’s just another form of dakishimeru. But if you just say Daku (抱く) by itself, it can sound more like “to hold someone… intimately.”

So, if your goal is wholesome hugging, use dakishimeru instead. If your goal is… something else, well, now you know. 😉

4. Idaku (抱く) – The Super Formal, Literary Hug

This is the type of hugging you’d find in old-school literature or dramatic samurai films. It’s rarely used in daily conversation.

If you say Kanojo o idaita (彼女を抱いた), it sounds poetic, like something out of a novel, but it can also imply a romantic embrace (or more). So, be careful where you drop this one!

The Culture of Hugging in Japan

Now that you’ve got the vocabulary, you might be wondering: Do Japanese people even hug?

Hugging Isn’t as Common in Japan

Unlike many Western cultures where hugs are a standard greeting, in Japan, people tend to bow or just give a polite nod. Physical touch isn’t as deeply ingrained in daily interactions.

This isn’t to say that Japanese people never hug—it just tends to be reserved for:

• Romantic partners (even then, not always in public)
• Close family members (especially parents and kids)
• Really emotional moments (like a dramatic anime scene where someone finally confesses their feelings 🥲)

When a Hug Might Be Okay

If you’re unsure whether hugging is appropriate, here are some safe guidelines:

✔ If a Japanese person initiates it—go for it! ✔ If they’re visibly emotional (like crying), a dakishimeru-style hug might be welcome. ✔ If you’re in a super international setting, like a foreigner-friendly bar, hagu might be okay.

🚫 When NOT to hug:

• Meeting someone for the first time. A handshake or bow is better.
• Business settings. (Unless you want to be that awkward foreigner.)
• With strangers. Japan is not the place for “free hugs” campaigns.

What to Do Instead of Hugging

If you’re in a situation where you’d normally hug someone back home, but you’re in Japan and it doesn’t feel right, try:

• A deep nod with a warm smile. This can convey appreciation, gratitude, or affection.
• A double-hand handshake. Some Japanese people find regular handshakes too formal, so clasping both their hands in yours can feel warmer.
• A shoulder squeeze. This is a friendly, quick way to express closeness without a full hug.
• The classic ‘Bowing Multiple Times in Different Heights’ technique. (Yes, this is a thing. When in doubt, just bow more than once and at slightly different angles.)

Final Thoughts: To Hug or Not to Hug?

At the end of the day, learning how to say ‘hug’ in Japanese is useful, but understanding when to use it is just as important. While hugs aren’t as common in Japan, the language gives you plenty of ways to express the idea, whether it’s a casual hagu, an emotional dakishimeru, or a dramatic idaku.

So next time you’re in Japan and you’re debating whether to hug your friend, just ask:

“ハグしてもいい？” (Hagu shitemo ii? – Can I give you a hug?)

Worst case? They say no, and you both laugh about it.

Best case? You get a rare but extra meaningful Japanese hug. 🫂

Have you ever hugged someone in Japan? Or had an awkward cultural moment trying to? Share your experience in the comments!