Translation guide
A 'feeler' is a tentative inquiry or proposal to gauge reactions or gather information. It can also refer to a sensory organ (like an insect's antenna) or a person's sensitivity. This guide focuses on the most common uses for English-speaking learners.
To express the idea of putting out a tentative question, suggestion, or proposal to see how people react or to gather information.
A noun meaning a preliminary inquiry or sounding out. Often used in business or formal contexts to describe making an informal approach to gauge interest or opinion.
彼にその仕事の打診をしてみた。
I put out a feeler to him about the job.
まずは打診の段階です。
It's just a feeler stage for now.
A common phrase meaning to sound out the situation or gauge someone's reaction. More casual and versatile than 打診.
彼の様子をうかがってから話そう。
Let's put out a feeler and see how he reacts before talking.
まずは上司の様子をうかがってみます。
I'll put out a feeler to my boss first.
Literally 'to feel the texture', meaning to probe for reactions or opinions. Slightly more direct than 様子をうかがう.
彼の感触を探ってみたけど、あまり乗り気じゃなさそうだ。
I put out a feeler, but he didn't seem very keen.
To put out a feeler or make a discreet inquiry. Often used when trying to find out information without being obvious.
彼に探りを入れてみたが、何も教えてくれなかった。
I put out a feeler to him, but he didn't tell me anything.
Literally 'to try hitting', meaning to try asking or sounding someone out. Very casual.
ダメ元で当たってみよう。
Let's put out a feeler even if it's a long shot.
To refer to the physical feelers of an insect or crustacean.
The standard biological term for antenna or feeler.
カブトムシの触角はとても敏感だ。
A beetle's feelers are very sensitive.
Literally 'whiskers', but commonly used for insect antennae in everyday speech.
ゴキブリのひげが動いている。
The cockroach's feelers are moving.
To describe someone's ability to sense things or pick up on subtle cues.
Intuition or sixth sense. Often used in phrases like 勘が鋭い (to have sharp intuition).
彼女は勘が鋭いから、すぐに嘘を見抜く。
She has sharp feelers, so she spots lies immediately.
Sensitivity or receptivity. More about emotional or artistic sensitivity.
打診 is a formal noun often used in business settings for a preliminary inquiry or proposal. 様子をうかがう is a more general phrase meaning to gauge the situation or someone's mood, and can be used in casual conversation.
取引先に打診してみます。
I'll put out a feeler to the client.
彼の様子をうかがってから誘おう。
Let's put out a feeler and see how he is before inviting him.
The English word 'feeler' in the sense of a tentative inquiry does not have a direct single-word equivalent in Japanese. Using 触角 (antenna) metaphorically would sound strange. Use the phrases provided instead.
興味があるかどうか、ちょっと様子をうかがっているだけです。
I'm just putting out a feeler to see if you're interested.
その会社は合併の可能性について打診を行った。
The company put out feelers about a possible merger.
彼は感受性が豊かだ。
He has sensitive feelers (emotionally).