Translation guide
How to express 'tread on' in Japanese, covering physical stepping, metaphorical infringement, and related expressions.
To place one's foot on an object or surface, often accidentally or with force.
The most common verb for stepping on something. Can be used for both intentional and accidental stepping.
To encroach upon someone's rights, feelings, or territory.
To unintentionally step on something unpleasant or dangerous.
Use the object + を踏む. Very common for accidents.
犬のうんちを踏んじゃった。
I stepped in dog poop.
地雷を踏んでしまった。
I stepped on a landmine.
While 踏む (fumu) covers most physical 'tread on' situations, for metaphorical trampling of feelings or rights, use 踏みにじる (fuminijiru). Using 踏む in such contexts may sound odd or too literal.
彼の気持ちを踏みにじった。
I trampled on his feelings.
彼は私の足を踏んだ。
He stepped on my foot.
ガラスの破片を踏んでしまった。
I accidentally stepped on a piece of glass.
To trample or tread on forcefully, often with intent or emphasis on the action.
彼は怒って書類を踏みつけた。
He angrily trampled on the documents.
Colloquial and emphatic version of 踏みつける, often implying a heavy or careless step.
誰かが私の鞄を踏んづけた。
Someone stepped on my bag.
To trample on abstract things like rights, feelings, or dignity. Strong negative connotation.
彼のプライドを踏みにじった。
I trampled on his pride.
人権を踏みにじる行為は許されない。
Acts that trample on human rights are unforgivable.
Literally 'to step into', used for entering a place or field, often with a sense of intrusion or new venture.
彼は政治の世界に足を踏み入れた。
He stepped into the world of politics.
Formal term for infringement, especially of rights or privacy. Not a direct translation of 'tread on' but used in similar contexts.
プライバシーを侵害する。
To infringe on privacy.