A pattern input apparatus designed to improve the operational easiness comprises a plurality of contact detecting device, arranged on a detection surface, each for generating a detection signal upon contact with an object. A pattern drawn by the object moving in contact with the detection surface is discriminated, using the locus or the amount of displacement vector of a point located approximately at the center between at least two adjoining ones of the plurality of contact detecting devices on the detection surface, when the detection signals are output from the at least two adjoining ones of the plurality of contact detecting devices.