sticky
word
/ˈstɪki/
STI-kee
/stˈɪki/
STI-kee
Definition
Something that is sticky easily attaches or clings to things, usually because it is covered in a substance like glue or honey. It can also describe situations that are difficult or tricky.
Usage & Nuances
'Sticky' is used for both physical texture and metaphorically for situations ('a sticky problem'). Common with things like tape, candy, or hands. Informal in metaphorical use.
Spanish: pegajoso - adhesivo (material)Portuguese (BR): grudento - pegajosoPortuguese (PT): pegajoso - adesivoChinese (Simplified): 粘的Chinese (Traditional): 黏的Hindi: चिपचिपाArabic: لزج - دبقBengali: চিটচিটে - জটিল (অবস্থা)Russian: липкий - сложный (о ситуации)Japanese: ベタベタした - やっかいな(状況)Vietnamese: dính - khó xử (tình huống)Korean: 끈적거리는 - 곤란한 (상황)Turkish: yapışkan - zor (durum)Urdu: چپچپا - مشکل (صورت حال)Indonesian: lengket - rumit (situasi)
Example Sentences
The honey made my hands sticky.
basic
Be careful—the floor is sticky.
basic
I bought some sticky notes for my office.
basic
It's so hot that my clothes feel sticky against my skin.
natural
That was a sticky situation, but we figured it out.
natural
Don’t touch that! The glue is still sticky.
natural