Touche-moi
The English phrase "touch me" is translated into French as Touche-moi.
This phrase is used to make a request or a command for someone to make physical contact with the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of the verb toucher (to touch) and the direct object pronoun moi (me).
Which one should you use?
While Touche-moi is the standard command, you may use Touchez-moi if you are addressing more than one person or using the formal vous form.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a negative imperative, such as Ne me touche pas (Don't touch me), the pronoun me moves before the verb and the hyphen is removed.
Did you know?
- In a financial context, toucher is used to describe receiving a salary or a pension. For example, toucher son salaire means to get paid, which has nothing to do with physical contact.
- In old French law and custom, the phrase toucher was used in the 'touching for the royal malady', where people believed the king's touch could cure scrofula.
- In French, the phrase toucher du bois is the equivalent of the English 'knock on wood'. While it uses the same verb as Touche-moi, it refers to a superstitious gesture to avoid bad luck.
Examples in context
- Touche-moi pas, tu me salis !Don't you touch me, you'll make me dirty!This sentence is useful for showing the phrase Touche-moi in a negative context.Tatoeba #435319 by Clavain, translation #435322 by Clavain
- Pouvez-vous éviter de me toucher, s'il vous plaît?Could you please avoid touching me?
- Ne me touche pas!Don't touch me!
- Touche-moi la main, s'il te plaît.Touch my hand, please.
Example conversation
A dimly lit room where Emma is feeling insecure.
- EmmaTouche-moi, s'il te plaît.Touch me, please.
- NathanBien sûr, Emma.Of course, Emma.
- EmmaJ'ai besoin de sentir ta présence.I need to feel your presence.
- NathanJe suis là pour toi.I am here for you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
