Translation guide
How to express 'step on' in Japanese, covering physical stepping, figurative meanings, and common phrases.
To place one's foot on an object or surface, intentionally or accidentally.
The most common and general verb for 'step on'. Can be used for stepping on objects, surfaces, or people's feet.
He stepped on my foot.
ガラスを踏まないように気をつけて。
Be careful not to step on the glass.
To step on forcefully or trample. Implies a deliberate or heavy step.
彼は怒って帽子を踏みつけた。
He angrily stomped on his hat.
Colloquial variant of 踏みつける, often used in casual speech.
誰かが私の靴を踏んづけた。
Someone stepped on my shoe.
To press down with the foot, such as a car pedal or a sewing machine pedal.
Also used for pedals and switches operated by foot.
アクセルを踏んでください。
Please step on the accelerator.
ブレーキを踏むのを忘れた。
I forgot to step on the brake.
To metaphorically 'step on' someone, meaning to treat them badly or exploit them.
Literally 'to trample', used figuratively for trampling on someone's feelings, rights, or dignity.
彼の気持ちを踏みにじった。
I trampled on his feelings.
Idiom meaning to treat someone like dirt, to kick around.
To accidentally trigger a landmine or similar device by stepping on it.
Literally 'step on a landmine'. Also used figuratively for saying something that unexpectedly causes trouble.
彼は地雷を踏んでしまった。
He stepped on a landmine.
To accelerate a vehicle or to urge someone to hurry.
Standard phrase for stepping on the gas pedal.
もっとアクセルを踏んで。
Step on the gas more.
General verb for 'hurry', not directly 'step on', but used in similar contexts.
急いで！遅れるよ。
Step on it! We'll be late.
To 'step on' a bus or train, use 乗る (のる), not 踏む. 踏む is only for stepping with the foot onto something.
踏む is neutral; 踏みつける implies force or intention to crush/trample. Use 踏む for accidental steps or normal stepping.
He treats his subordinates like dirt.