When conjugating verbs ending in -car (like 'tocar') in the simple past, the 'c' changes to 'qu' only in the 'yo' form (I) to keep the hard 'k' sound: 'yo toqué', but 'tú tocaste'.

The 'c' to 'qu' Spelling Change

'Tocó' describes an action that happened once and was completed in the past, like a single, brief touch.

Use of the Simple Past (Preterite)

Extremely common. This is the simple past (preterite) form for 'he/she/it' or 'you (formal)' of the verb 'tocar'.

Remember to use 'tocar' only for musical instruments. For sports, use 'jugar': 'Tocó el violín' (He played the violin), but 'Jugó al fútbol' (He played soccer).

Playing Instruments vs. Sports

Very common when talking about music or performance.

Confusing 'Tener que' and 'Tocar'

When 'tocar' means 'to be one's turn' or 'to have to do something,' it usually follows the pattern of 'gustar' verbs: the person who has the turn is expressed using an indirect pronoun (me, te, le, nos, les).

Expressing Obligation or Turn

Extremely common idiomatic usage, usually used impersonally or to assign responsibility.

When 'tocar' means to knock, it is typically followed by the preposition 'a' (at/to): 'tocó a la puerta'.

Using 'a' with the Door

Common in the context of visiting or signaling entry.

'Tocó' is the simple past form of 'tocar,' meaning 'he/she/it touched,' 'he/she played' (an instrument), or idiomatically, 'it was his/her turn.' Learn all usages and conjugation patterns.

Tocó Conjugation & Meanings (Touch, Play, Turn) | Inklingo

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tocó

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indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

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