How to Say “Do Not Touch” in Spanish

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no tocar
/no tokaɾ/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for 'do not touch' is no tocar.
no tocar is used as a command to tell someone not to put their hands on an object. It is the standard phrase used for signage, such as warning signs or labels in public spaces.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of no (not) and tocar (to touch), literally meaning 'not to touch'.

Which one should you use?

While no tocar is the standard form for impersonal signs, other forms are used when addressing people directly. Use no toques for one person informally, no toque for one person formally and no toquen when commanding a group of people.

How does it change in a sentence?

The form no tocar is an impersonal infinitive used for signs. When speaking directly to one person informally, you should use the singular form no toques. When speaking directly to one person in a formal or polite manner, use the singular formal form no toque. To command a group of people, use the plural form no toquen.

How do you pronounce it?

/no tokaɾ/

Did you know?

  • In Spanish, the word tocar can be used to describe winning the lottery or receiving a random prize.
  • The word tocar is used to say it is someone's turn to do something, such as when playing a game.
  • The verb tocar is believed to have originated from a Germanic or onomatopoeic source in Vulgar Latin.

Examples in context

  • Por favor, no tocar.
    Please do not touch.
    Tatoeba #456616 by lukaszpp, translation #456615 by lukaszpp
  • No toque los objetos expuestos, por favor.
    Please do not touch the displayed objects.
  • No toques ese objeto, por favor.
    Please do not touch that object.
  • No te metas con eso.
    Don't touch/mess with that.
  • Déjalo en paz, no lo toques.
    Leave it alone, don't touch it.
  • No toques eso. Está frágil
    Don't touch that, it's fragile
  • No tocar la exhibición.
    Do not touch the exhibit.
  • Es una pieza delicada, no tocar.
    It is a delicate piece, do not touch.

Example conversation

A museum where Daniel is guiding Lucía through a gallery.

  1. Daniel

    Esa estatua es muy antigua.
    That statue is very old.
  2. Lucía

    ¡Oh! ¿Puedo verla de cerca?
    Oh! Can I see it up close?
  3. Daniel

    No, hay un cartel que dice no tocar.
    No, there is a sign that says do not touch.
  4. Lucía

    Entiendo, lo siento, Daniel.
    I understand, I'm sorry, Daniel.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries no, tocar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
  • Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
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Cynthia Sally
Cynthia SallyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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