tócate la nariz
/tokate la naɾiθ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "touch your nose" is translated as tócate la nariz.
The phrase is used as a command to tell someone to physically place their finger on their nose.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb tocarse (to touch oneself) and the definite article la with the noun nariz.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, when referring to body parts, it is standard to use the definite article la or el instead of the possessive adjective tu (your).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the possessive adjective tu (your) instead of the definite article la (the) when talking about body parts. Avoid saying tócate tu nariz.
Did you know?
- The word tocar is used for both touching a surface and playing a musical instrument, unlike English which uses two different verbs.
- While tocar means to touch, it is also the standard verb used to say that a specific card or number has been drawn in a lottery.
- While tócate la nariz is a literal command, the verb tocar is also used in Spanish to describe whose turn it is to do something, as in me toca a mí.
Examples in context
- Por favor, toque su nariz.Please, touch your nose.
- Toca tu nariz, cariño.Touch your nose, sweetheart.
- Adivina qué, cierra los ojos y tócate la nariz.Guess what, close your eyes and touch your nose.
- Tócate la nariz para la foto.Touch your nose for the photo.
- Tócate la nariz con el dedo índice.Touch your nose with your index finger.
- ¡Tócate la nariz rápidamente!Touch your nose quickly!
Example conversation
A doctor is testing a patient's reflexes during a checkup.
- DanielElena, tócate la nariz.Elena, touch your nose.
- ElenaAsí, ¿está bien, doctor?Like this, is that okay, doctor?
- DanielSí, lo hiciste muy bien.Yes, you did it very well.
- ElenaGracias, doctor.Thank you, doctor.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
