Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 触る | sawaru | [sa̠β̞a̠ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 接触する | sesshoku suru |
The verb 触る refers to making physical contact with something. It is frequently used in negative commands, such as 触るな (sawaru na), to warn someone not to touch something.
Which one should you use?
触る is the common, everyday verb used for touching something with one's hands. In contrast, 接触する is a more formal or technical term used to describe contact or a collision, typically in scientific, mechanical or legal contexts. Additionally, the loanword タッチする can be used in informal contexts to describe physical touch activities, such as touching a touchscreen or a high-five.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
sawaru
When do people say it?
The katakana word タッチ is used in specific contexts, such as in sports like rugby or when referring to a 'touch' in a metaphorical or modern sense.
Did you know?
- The phrase 触らぬ神に祟りなし (sawaranu kami ni tatari nashi) is a famous proverb meaning 'if you don't touch the god, there is no curse'.
- The formal term 接触 (sesshoku) is frequently used in news reports to describe 'contact' between two people, often implying a clandestine or suspicious meeting.
- While 触る describes physical touch, the word 触れる (fureru) is used for light, accidental, or spiritual contact, such as a heart being 'touched' by a story.
Examples in context
- これに触るな。Don't touch this.This sentence is useful for learning how to use 触る in a negative command.Tatoeba #10231740 by small_snow, translation #8569605 by CK
- 勝手に触るな。Don't touch anything without asking first.Tatoeba #11317199 by small_snow, translation #3000631 by AlanF_US
- ここ触ると痛い？Does it hurt if I touch here?This sentence is useful for practicing how to use 触る when asking about physical sensation.Tatoeba #10914804 by small_snow, translation #10477782 by Ricardo14
- それに触らないでくださいPlease don't touch that.
- 触りたいI want to touch it.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are looking at a delicate display in a museum.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮、展示品に触るのは禁止だよ。Ren, tenjihin ni sawaru no wa kinshi dayo.Ren, touching the exhibits is forbidden.
- 蓮 Renえっ、本当に触っちゃダメなの？E, hontō ni sawatcha dame nano?What, is it really forbidden to touch them?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、絶対に触るなと書いてあるよ。Un, zettai ni sawaru na to kaite aru yo.Yes, it says right here 'absolutely do not touch'.
- 蓮 Renわかった。もう触らないよ。Wakatta. Mō sawaranai yo.I understand. I won't touch it anymore.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “touch” translations and entries 触る, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
