tócalo
/tokalo/from spelling rules
To say "touch it" in Spanish, use tócalo.
This phrase is used as a command to tell someone to put their finger or hand on an object.
What does it mean word for word?
The word tócalo is composed of the imperative verb toca (touch) and the direct object pronoun lo (it).
Which one should you use?
The form you choose depends on the gender and number of the object being touched, as well as the level of formality. Use tócalo for a masculine object, tócala for a feminine object, tócalos for multiple masculine objects and tócalas for multiple feminine objects. If you are addressing someone formally, use tóquelo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The command changes based on the object's grammatical gender and quantity. Use tócala if the object is a feminine noun, such as la mesa. For multiple masculine objects, use tócalos and for multiple feminine objects, use tócalas.
How do you pronounce it?
/tokalo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word toca can also mean 'to play' an instrument. If you tell a musician toca la guitarra, you are not telling them to touch the guitar, but to play it.
- The verb tocar is used to describe the act of ringing a doorbell or knocking on a door. Instead of saying 'knock', a Spanish speaker says tocar la puerta, which literally means 'touch the door'.
- Depending on the region, the verb tocar can be used in slang to mean 'to hit' or 'to strike' someone, which is a much more aggressive use than just physical contact.
Examples in context
- Por favor, toque eso para comprobar su textura.Please touch that to feel its texture.
- Permítame tocarlo para evaluar su calidad.Allow me to touch it to evaluate its quality.
- Ese gato es muy suave, ¡tócalo!That cat is very soft, touch it!
- El agua está tibia, ¡métele la mano!The water is warm, put your hand in it!
- Es de seda, tócalo.It is silk, touch it.
- Si quieres saber si está frío, tócalo.If you want to know if it is cold, touch it.
- El cristal es muy suave, tócalo.The glass is very smooth, touch it.
Example conversation
Daniel shows María a piece of soft fabric.
- DanielMira esta tela, es muy suave.Look at this fabric, it's very soft.
- MaríaÑo se ve suave.It doesn't look soft.
- DanielNo lo mires, tócalo.Don't look at it, touch it.
- MaríaÑuau, tienes razón!Wow, you're right!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
