tocas
/TOH-kas/
you play
The word tocas can mean "you play" when referring to a musical instrument.
📝 In Action
¿Qué instrumento tocas? ¿La guitarra?
A1What instrument do you play? The guitar?
Tocas muy bien el piano, eres talentoso.
A2You play the piano very well, you are talented.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Form
'Tocas' is the form you use when talking directly to one friend or family member (tú) in the present moment.
⭐ Usage Tips
Playing Instruments
Unlike English, Spanish doesn't need a preposition like 'the' before the instrument when using 'tocar': 'Toco piano' (I play piano) is common, though 'Toco el piano' is also correct.
Tocas also means "you touch."
tocas(verb)
you touch
?physical contact
you handle
?feeling something
📝 In Action
No tocas ese cable, es peligroso.
A1Don't touch that cable, it's dangerous. (You are not touching it, imperative usage)
Si tocas la pared, sentirás la textura áspera.
A2If you touch the wall, you will feel the rough texture.
💡 Grammar Points
Meaning Shift
The meaning of 'tocar' changes depending on the context. If you mention an instrument, it means 'to play'; otherwise, it usually means 'to touch'.
When you knock on a door, you use the Spanish verb tocas.
📝 In Action
Cuando llegas, siempre tocas el timbre dos veces.
A2When you arrive, you always ring the doorbell twice.
Tocas la puerta antes de entrar en la oficina.
A2You knock on the door before entering the office.
💡 Grammar Points
Spelling Change Alert
Remember that the 'c' in 'tocar' changes to 'qu' before an 'e' or 'i' sound (like in the present subjunctive 'toques') to keep the hard 'k' sound. This is common for many verbs ending in -car.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tocas
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'tocas' is used in the sentence: 'Tocas la flauta maravillosamente'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'tocar' require a preposition when talking about playing music?
Generally, no. You use the definite article (el, la, los, las) but not a preposition like 'en' (in) or 'con' (with). For example: 'Toco el violín' (I play the violin).
How do I know if 'tocas' means 'touch' or 'play'?
Look at the word that follows it. If it’s a musical instrument (guitarra, piano), it means 'play'. If it’s a physical object (mesa, pared), it means 'touch'.