toco
“toco” means “I touch” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
I touch
Also: I feel, I handle
📝 In Action
No toco ese botón porque parece peligroso.
A1I don't touch that button because it looks dangerous.
Siempre toco la tela antes de comprar ropa.
A2I always feel the fabric before buying clothes.
I play
Also: I perform
📝 In Action
Toco el piano desde que tengo cinco años.
A1I have played the piano since I was five years old.
Esta noche toco una canción nueva para mis amigos.
A2Tonight I am playing a new song for my friends.
I knock, I ring
Also: I sound
📝 In Action
Toco el timbre, pero nadie sale a abrir.
A2I ring the doorbell, but no one comes out to open it.
Si toco muy fuerte, despierto a mi vecino.
B1If I knock too hard, I'll wake up my neighbor.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: toco
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation is NOT correct for 'Toco la campana'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Vulgar Latin *toccare, which likely came from an onomatopoeic sound (like 'toc!'). Its original meaning was simply 'to strike' or 'to tap,' which explains why it is used for touching, knocking, and striking the strings of an instrument.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'toco' means 'touch' or 'play'?
You must look at the context. If the sentence mentions an instrument (piano, guitarra), it means 'play.' If it mentions a surface or object (mesa, puerta), it usually means 'touch' or 'knock.' The meaning often becomes clear immediately.