手応え

• Reading: てごたえ
• Romaji: tegotae
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te) — hand; 応え (kotae) — response, reaction
• Pronunciation: /te.ɡo.ta.e/

Meaning

Response; reaction; resistance; feedback. The tangible sense of effect or result you feel when engaging with a task, person, or physical object.

A noun combining 手 (te, hand) and 応え (kotae, response, reaction). Used both literally—the physical push-back felt when striking or holding something—and figuratively, as the sense that one's efforts are having an effect. 手応えがある (tegotae ga aru) means 'there's something to it; it's working,' while 手応えがない means 'no reaction; nothing to show for the effort.'

Examples

1. 今日のプレゼンは手応えがあった。おそらく採用されるだろう。 Today's presentation felt like it landed well—it will probably be approved.
2. 釣り竿に強い手応えを感じたとき、大物の予感がした。 When the fishing rod gave a strong tug, he had a feeling he'd hooked something big.
3. この教授法には手応えがある。生徒の目が明らかに輝いてきた。 This teaching method is clearly working—the students' eyes have visibly lit up.

Usage Guide

Context: work, education, sports, fishing, everyday conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 手 (te, hand) and 応え (kotae, response, reaction). The original sense was the physical resistance felt in the hand when striking or gripping; it extended metaphorically to any feedback confirming that one's actions are having an impact.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal