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tocado

toh-KAH-doh/toˈkaðo/

touched, played

Also: knocked, rung
A close-up view of a human index finger gently making contact with the smooth, polished surface of a round, blue stone.
infinitivetocar
gerundtocando
past Participletocado

📝 In Action

Nunca he tocado esa campana.

A1

I have never rung that bell.

Ella había tocado el piano desde niña.

A2

She had played the piano since she was a child.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • palpado (felt)

Common Collocations

  • haber tocado – to have touched/played

headdress

Also: fascinator, headpiece
NounmB1
An elaborate, colorful ceremonial headdress decorated with large bright feathers and sparkling jewels, displayed against a simple background.

📝 In Action

La novia llevaba un tocado impresionante con plumas.

B1

The bride was wearing an impressive headdress with feathers.

Para la carrera de caballos, es obligatorio llevar un tocado.

B2

For the horse race, it is mandatory to wear a fascinator.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tocado de novia – bridal headpiece

damaged, slightly crazy

Also: affected, tipsy/drunk
Spain (Informal)
A bright red apple sitting on a surface, clearly showing a large, dark bruise and a visible crack on its skin, indicating damage.

📝 In Action

El motor de la lancha está tocado; no arranca bien.

B2

The boat engine is damaged; it doesn't start well.

Después de la noticia, María se quedó muy tocada.

B2

After the news, Maria was left deeply affected (or hurt).

Creo que ese hombre está un poco tocado de la cabeza.

C1

I think that man is a little bit crazy (literally: touched in the head).

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • intacto (untouched)

Common Collocations

  • estar tocado – to be damaged/affected

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tocado

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'tocado' as a piece of headwear?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
tocar(to touch, to play (music)) — Verb
toque(a touch, a signal) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

'Tocado' comes directly from the verb 'tocar', which evolved from a Latin word meaning 'to strike' or 'to knock'. Over time, it developed the meaning of light contact ('to touch') and the more abstract sense of performing music ('to play'). The noun 'tocado' (headdress) is a direct derivation, referring to something that 'touches' or covers the head.

First recorded: 13th century (as 'tocar')

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: tocadoFrench: toucher

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'tocado' different from 'ha tocado'?

'Tocado' is the base form (the past participle), meaning 'touched' or 'played.' 'Ha tocado' is the complete verb phrase, combining the auxiliary verb 'haber' ('ha') with 'tocado,' meaning 'he/she/it has touched/played.'

Can I use 'tocado' to mean 'drunk'?

Yes, in very informal, conversational Spanish, especially in Spain, 'estar tocado' can mean slightly drunk or tipsy, but it's not the most common translation. Stick to 'borracho' or 'ebrio' for clarity in most situations.