no tocar
/no tokaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hands off" can be translated into Spanish as no tocar.
The phrase is used to command someone not to touch something. While no tocar serves as a general command, other forms are used depending on whom you are addressing or the level of intimacy.
Meaning: don't touch! (intj)
Which one should you use?
While no tocar is a general instruction, no toques is used for a single person you know well and no toque is used for a single person you are addressing formally. To address a group, use no toquen. Additionally, the phrase no te metas can be used informally to mean "don't get involved" or "stay out of it" rather than a physical command to not touch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive no tocar acts as a general command. When speaking directly to one person informally, you should use the command form no toques. If you are addressing someone formally, the command changes to no toque. To tell a group of people "hands off", use the plural form no toquen.
How do you pronounce it?
/no tokaɾ/
Did you know?
- While no tocar means 'do not touch', the phrase me toca is used to say 'it is my turn'.
- The word tocar is a versatile verb that can also mean 'to play' an instrument. Therefore, saying no tocar could technically be interpreted as a command to not play a musical instrument depending on the context.
- The verb tocar has an unexpected connection to headwear. It may have originated from the word for a headscarf or a wimple, rather than being purely an onomatopoeic sound for touching.
Examples in context
- ¡No tocar! Es peligroso.Don't touch! It's dangerous.
- ¡No tocar las pinturas!Don't touch the paintings!
- ¡No tocar el pastel, por favor!Don't touch the cake, please!
Example conversation
Javier is showing Elena a fragile antique vase.
- JavierMira este jarrón, pero no tocar.Look at this vase, but hands off.
- ElenaEstá bien, solo quiero verlo.That is fine, I just want to see it.
- JavierEs muy frágil y antiguo.It is very fragile and old.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Javier.Don't worry, Javier.
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.
