1.
sense of touch; tactile sense
The ability to perceive through physical contact, including pressure, texture, and temperature.
目を閉じて触覚だけで物を当てる。
Guess objects using only your sense of touch with your eyes closed.
赤ちゃんは触覚が敏感だ。
Babies have a sensitive sense of touch.
2.
antenna; feeler
The sensory appendages on insects and crustaceans used to feel their environment.
昆虫は触覚で周囲の情報を得る。
Insects gather information about their surroundings through their antennae.
カタツムリが触覚を伸ばしている。
The snail is extending its antennae.
アリは触覚を使って仲間と情報を交換している。
Ants use their antennae to exchange information with their companions.
触覚 has two meanings:
1. Sense of touch (one of the five senses)
2. Antenna/feelers (on insects)
The five senses (五感):
- 視覚 (sight)
- 聴覚 (hearing)
- 嗅覚 (smell)
- 味覚 (taste)
- 触覚 (touch)
Common expressions:
- 触覚が鋭い (to have a keen sense of touch)
- 触覚を伸ばす (to extend one's antennae - also figuratively: to seek information)
Note:
For insects, 触覚 refers to the antennae. Alternative words for insect antennae include 触角 (same pronunciation, different kanji) and アンテナ.