Translation guide
The English word "groping" can refer to physically searching with your hands, especially in the dark, or to sexual touching without consent. It can also be used metaphorically for struggling to find an idea or solution. This guide covers these distinct meanings.
To feel around with your hands, often because you cannot see well or are looking for something by touch.
Literally 'hand search'. Used for physically feeling your way around, especially in the dark. Can also be used metaphorically.
暗闇の中を手探りで進んだ。
I groped my way forward in the dark.
Verb form of 手探り. Used for the action of groping or fumbling with your hands.
彼はポケットの中で鍵を手探りした。
He groped in his pocket for his keys.
Means 'to search for' or 'to probe'. Can be used for physically feeling around, but also for investigating or sounding out.
暗闇で壁を探った。
I groped for the wall in the dark.
To fumble or grope around, often with a nuance of aimlessly searching. Can sound slightly old-fashioned or literary.
彼は暗がりの中でスイッチをまさぐった。
He groped for the switch in the darkness.
To touch someone in a sexual way without their permission, often in a crowded place.
Refers to the act of groping, especially on public transportation, or the person who does it. Commonly used in signs and warnings.
電車内での痴漢は犯罪です。
Groping on trains is a crime.
Formal term for the act of groping. Used in legal or official contexts.
痴漢行為は絶対に許されません。
Groping is absolutely unacceptable.
Literally 'to touch someone's body'. A more general phrase that can imply groping when context is clear.
満員電車で体を触られた。
I was groped on the crowded train.
Short for sexual harassment. Can include groping but is a broader term.
To try to think of something or find a solution without clear guidance, like 'groping for an answer'.
Metaphorical use of 手探り. Implies searching for an idea or solution without a clear path.
新しいビジネスモデルを手探りで探している。
We are groping for a new business model.
Means 'to grope for' or 'to search for' in an abstract sense, like seeking a solution. Very common in business and formal contexts.
問題の解決策を模索している。
We are groping for a solution to the problem.
The English word 'groping' in a sexual context is not directly translated as 手探り. Use 痴漢 or 体を触る instead. 手探り only refers to non-sexual searching with hands.
手探り can be used both physically and metaphorically, while 模索 is almost exclusively metaphorical and formal. For physical groping in the dark, 手探り is best.
職場でのセクハラが問題になった。
Sexual harassment at work became an issue.
A four-character idiom meaning 'groping in the dark'. Used when you have no clues and are trying to figure something out blindly.
手がかりがなく、暗中模索の状態だ。
We have no clues and are groping in the dark.
Literally 'to put out a feeler'. Used when you are trying to gauge someone's opinion or find out information indirectly.
彼の意向を探りを入れてみた。
I tried to grope for his intentions.