1 A2 neutral
To lightly and quickly touch a surface or object, usually with a finger, to attract attention or produce a sound.
"She tapped on the window to get the children's attention."
inseparable
tap on
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To touch a surface lightly with a finger or object, often to attract attention or to check in to a transit system.
In plain English
To touch something lightly a few times — like knocking gently on a door or touching your card on a bus reader.
What does "tap on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To check in to a public transport system by touching a payment card or device on a reader.
"You need to tap on with your card before the bus doors close."
inseparable
Usage tip
The physical sense is very basic and common. The transit sense is used in countries with contactless payment systems. Both senses involve a light contact with a surface. 'Tap on the shoulder' is a classic idiom for getting someone's attention.
Words that pair with "tap on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
shoulder window door screen card reader bus
How to conjugate "tap on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tap on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
taps on
he/she/it
Past simple
taped on
yesterday
Past participle
taped on
have + pp
-ing form
taping on
continuous
Hear "tap on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tap on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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