触らないで
sawaranaide
The English phrase "do not touch" is translated into Japanese as 触らないで (sawaranaide).
This phrase is a command used to tell someone not to put their hands on something. It is commonly used on signs or by staff to prevent people from handling exhibits, artwork or delicate objects.
Which one should you use?
For a much harsher, blunt command often used by men or in emergency situations to demand someone stop touching something immediately, use 触るな. To make the command much more polite and is the standard way to phrase this request in public settings like museums, use 触らないでください.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
触らないで is an informal way to say "do not touch". Conversely, 触るな is a much harsher, blunt command.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Tokyo area, the phrase 触らないでください is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
sawaranaide
Did you know?
- When using the command 触るな, the final 'na' is not a negation of the verb's meaning, but a specific grammatical particle used to create a harsh imperative. In modern Japanese, this specific form is often reserved for fiction, such as in manga or samurai films, to signal intense authority.
- The verb 触る is used in the idiomatic expression 触りたくない, which means 'I do not want to get involved'. While it literally translates to 'I do not want to touch', it is used to describe avoiding a problematic or controversial person or situation.
- In Japanese, the act of 'touching' can sometimes imply a violation of personal space or sanctity, which is why signs in shrines often use much more formal religious language than a simple 'do not touch'.
Examples in context
- そこには触らないでください。Soko ni wa sawaranaide kudasai.Please do not touch there.
- 展示物に触らないで！Tenjibutsu ni sawaranaide!Do not touch the exhibits!
- 汚れるから、触らないで。Yogoreru kara, sawaranaide.Do not touch it, it will get dirty.
Example conversation
At a museum, a young man is cautioning a woman.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、その絵には触らないで。Misaki, sono e ni wa sawaranaide.Misaki, do not touch that painting.
- 美咲 Misakiごめん、触るつもりはなかったの。Gomen, sawaru tsumori wa nakatta no.Sorry, I didn't mean to touch it.
- 大翔 Hiroto展示品は大切だからね。Tenjihin wa taisetsu dakara ne.The exhibits are precious, you know.
- 美咲 Misakiわかった、気をつけるね。Wakatta, ki o tsukeru ne.I understand, I'll be careful.
