How to say "fumble" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- noun, suru verb, transitive verbThis is a katakana loanword for the ball-game sense of fumble, dropping or mishandling the ball in a game; it is a less common word and does not cover fumbling about with the hands.
- 探り回るさぐりまわるgodan verbThis verb covers the hands-on sense of fumble: groping or feeling about while searching, as when fumbling in a bag or pocket for something. It is also a less common choice.
Choose 「ファンブル」 only for fumbles in ball games, and 「探り回る」 for fumbling or groping about with the hands; both are relatively uncommon choices, so go by the sense you need.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
