Confusing 'Tocar' and 'Jugar'

Verbs ending in -car, like 'tocar', must change the 'c' to 'qu' in the 'yo' form of the simple past ('toqué') and throughout the subjunctive mood ('toque', 'toquemos') to keep the hard 'k' sound. If we didn't change it, 'tocé' would sound like 'thoh-seh'!

The 'c' to 'qu' Spelling Change

While 'tocar' is great for physical contact, use 'conmover' or 'emocionar' when you mean 'to touch' someone emotionally (e.g., 'Su historia me conmovió').

Physical vs. Emotional Touch

Extremely common, used daily in conversation, referring to physical contact or interaction.

Unlike English ('play the piano'), Spanish doesn't need a preposition like 'a' or 'de' after 'tocar' when naming the instrument: 'Yo toqué el violín'.

No Preposition Needed

Very common when discussing musical abilities or events.

When 'tocar' means 'to knock,' it often uses the preposition 'a' before the door: 'toqué a la puerta'. However, if you are ringing a specific object, like a bell, you use the direct object: 'toqué el timbre'.

Using 'a' with 'Tocar' (Knocking)

Moderately common, used for describing actions at entrances.

'Toqué' is the past tense 'I' form of the verb 'tocar'. It means 'I touched,' 'I played' (an instrument), or 'I knocked.' Learn the spelling change and full conjugations.

toqué

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

preterite

future

present

conditional

imperfect

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

negative

affirmative

Practice Conjugations