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.
I put out a feeler to him about the job.
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.
Let's put out a feeler and see how he reacts before talking.
Literally 'to feel the texture', meaning to probe for reactions or opinions. Slightly more direct than 様子をうかがう.
To put out a feeler or make a discreet inquiry. Often used when trying to find out information without being obvious.
Literally 'to try hitting', meaning to try asking or sounding someone out. Very casual.
Let's put out a feeler even if it's a long shot.
To refer to the physical feelers of an insect or crustacean.
To describe someone's ability to sense things or pick up on subtle cues.
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.
I'll put out a feeler to the client.
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.
I'm just putting out a feeler to see if you're interested.
The company put out feelers about a possible merger.
I'll put out a feeler to my boss first.
I put out a feeler, but he didn't seem very keen.
I put out a feeler to him, but he didn't tell me anything.
The cockroach's feelers are moving.
He has sensitive feelers (emotionally).