The Difference Between 付ける (tsukeru) vs 付く (tsuku)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)

(Joy turning on a light [Tsukeru] vs. Rice stuck on Ken’s face [Tsuku])

“I turn on the TV.” (Terebi o tsukeru)
“The TV is on.” (Terebi ga tsuiteiru)
One is an action you do, the other is a state. This is the difference between Transitive (Tsukeru) and Intransitive (Tsuku). Let’s master it with Joy and Ken!

🗣 Conversation Scene

Joy and Ken are having lunch.

Joy

ケンさん、部屋（へや）が暗（くら）いですね。
電気（でんき）をつけましょうか？
(Ken, the room is dark. Shall I “turn on” the lights?)

Ken

お願いします。あ、Joyさん。
服（ふく）にソースがついていますよ！
(Please do. Ah, Joy. There is sauce “stuck/attached” to your clothes!)

💡 Explanation

Check the particle: “WO” vs “GA”.

Point 1: Tsukeru (付ける) = To attach / Turn on

Type: Transitive (Tadoushi)
SOMEONE does the action. You actively attach something or turn on power.
Pattern: [Person] acts on [Object] + を + つける

電気（でんき）をつける。
(Turn on the light.)
パンにジャムをつける。
(Put jam on bread.)
名札（なふだ）をつける。
(Put on/Attach a name tag.)

Point 2: Tsuku (付く) = To stick / Turn on

Type: Intransitive (Jidoushi)
SOMETHING is in that state. It happened naturally, or you are describing the result.
Pattern: [Subject] + が + つく

電気がついている。
(The light is on.)
服にゴミがつく。
(Lint/dust sticks to clothes.)
ポケットがついている。
(It has pockets attached/It comes with pockets.)

📊 Comparison Table

Word	Meaning	Type	Particle
付ける (Tsukeru)	Turn on, Attach, Apply	Transitive (Action)	〜をつける
付く (Tsuku)	Turn on, Stick, Be attached	Intransitive (State)	〜がつく