Inklingo

How to Say "touch" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “touch” is “toquen” — use this when referring to the act of physically making contact with something, often as a prohibition or instruction..

toquen🔊A2

Use this when referring to the act of physically making contact with something, often as a prohibition or instruction.

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contacto🔊A2

Use this noun when referring to the state of physical touching or a connection with a person or organization.

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mueva🔊B2

Use this when describing how something (like a movie or idea) emotionally affects or influences people's thoughts or feelings.

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muevan🔊B2

Use this when indicating that words or actions are intended to inspire or prompt people towards a specific action or response.

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dosis🔊B1

Use this to describe a small addition or element of something, like humor or color, that enhances a situation.

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dejo🔊B2

Use this to refer to a subtle trace or characteristic, such as a regional accent or a distinctive personal style.

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English → Spanish

toquen

/TOH-kehn//ˈtoken/

verbA2general
Use this when referring to the act of physically making contact with something, often as a prohibition or instruction.
A close-up of a finger gently touching the surface of a calm pond, creating small ripples.

Examples

No toquen nada en el museo, por favor.

Don't touch anything in the museum, please.

Espero que ellos toquen mi canción favorita.

I hope they play my favorite song.

Diles que toquen la puerta antes de entrar.

Tell them to knock on the door before coming in.

Why the 'qu' spelling?

The letter 'c' sounds like an 's' when it is next to an 'e'. Since the original verb is 'tocar' (with a hard 'k' sound), we change the 'c' to 'qu' so the sound stays the same when we add the 'en' ending.

When to use 'toquen'

Use this form when you are giving a command to a group of people (you all) or when you are expressing a wish or doubt about 'them' or 'you all'.

Toquen vs. Tocan

Mistake: “Using 'tocan' for commands.”

Correction: Use 'toquen' for commands and 'tocan' for simple facts. Say '¡No toquen!' (Don't touch!) instead of '¡No tocan!'

contacto

/kon-TAK-toh//konˈtak.to/

nounA2general
Use this noun when referring to the state of physical touching or a connection with a person or organization.
Two stylized cartoon hands, one blue and one yellow, reaching from opposite sides of the frame and lightly touching fingertips in the center, illustrating connection.

Examples

Tengo un buen contacto en la empresa que te puede ayudar.

I have a good contact at the company who can help you.

Hemos perdido el contacto con los años.

We've lost contact over the years.

Evita el contacto directo del sol con tu piel.

Avoid direct contact of the sun with your skin.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', it's good to remember that 'contacto' is always a masculine noun. So, you'll always say 'el contacto' or 'un contacto'.

Using 'contacto' as a Verb

Mistake: “Quiero contacto contigo mañana.”

Correction: Quiero ponerme en contacto contigo mañana. The noun 'contacto' needs a verb like 'ponerse en' (to put oneself in) or 'tener' (to have) to show action.

mueva

MWEH-vah/ˈmwe.βa/

verbB2general
Use this when describing how something (like a movie or idea) emotionally affects or influences people's thoughts or feelings.
A cheerful cartoon character is gently stirring a bowl filled with brightly colored, swirling liquid using a wooden spoon, symbolizing the stirring of emotions or feelings.

Examples

Ojalá que esta película mueva conciencias sobre el tema.

Hopefully this movie stirs consciences about the issue.

No creo que su súplica mueva al juez.

I don't think his plea will move (influence) the judge.

Subjunctive for Influence

When using 'mover' to mean influence or emotional impact, it almost always requires the special verb form ('mueva') because it expresses uncertainty, emotion, or desire, not a simple fact.

muevan

/MWEH-bahn//ˈmwe.βan/

verbB2general
Use this when indicating that words or actions are intended to inspire or prompt people towards a specific action or response.
A simplified character sitting at a desk. A bright yellow glowing orb touches their shoulder, causing the character to immediately pick up a paintbrush and start painting a vibrant picture.

Examples

Esperamos que sus palabras muevan a la acción a los asistentes.

We hope that their words inspire the attendees to take action.

Dudo que las noticias muevan su corazón de piedra.

I doubt the news will touch their heart of stone.

Subjunctive for Influence

When 'mover' means 'to inspire' or 'to motivate,' it almost always requires the special verb form ('muevan') because it follows a phrase expressing desire, doubt, or influence (e.g., 'Espero que...' or 'Dudo que...').

dosis

DOH-sees/ˈdo.sis/

nounB1general
Use this to describe a small addition or element of something, like humor or color, that enhances a situation.
A gentle open human hand holding one single, tiny, glowing golden speck on the palm, symbolizing a small amount or a bit.

Examples

Su presentación tenía una dosis de humor muy necesaria.

His presentation had a much-needed bit of humor.

A veces solo necesitamos una dosis de motivación para empezar.

Sometimes we just need a measure of motivation to start.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'dosis' usually refers to a small, specific amount of a quality, like patience, cynicism, or energy.

dejo

DEH-hoh/ˈdexo/

nounB2general
Use this to refer to a subtle trace or characteristic, such as a regional accent or a distinctive personal style.
A person's profile illustrated in a simple storybook style. A brightly colored, swirling ribbon emerges from their mouth, symbolizing a unique accent or speech characteristic.

Examples

Aunque vive en Madrid, todavía tiene un dejo gallego.

Even though he lives in Madrid, he still has a Galician accent/lilt.

El café dejó un dejo amargo en mi paladar.

The coffee left a bitter residual taste on my palate.

Su estilo de baile tiene un dejo de flamenco clásico.

Her dancing style has a touch/flair of classic flamenco.

Always Masculine

When used as a noun meaning 'accent' or 'trace,' 'dejo' is always masculine, so you use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Yo no dejo acento.”

Correction: This doesn't make sense. The correct structure is 'Yo no noto el dejo' (I don't notice the accent). Remember the verb form is 'I leave/allow,' while the noun is the 'trace left behind.'

Physical vs. Figurative Touch

Learners often confuse the literal act of touching with figurative uses. Remember that 'toquen' and 'contacto' are for physical interaction, while 'mueva/muevan,' 'dosis,' and 'dejo' describe influence, additions, or characteristics.

Related Translations

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