tocar
verbCEFR A1High frequency
What does “tocar” mean in English?
1.to play
to play (a musical instrument)
2.to touch
to touch (tocar algo con las manos: no toques eso)
Example sentences
Toco la guitarra los domingos.
I play guitar on Sundays.
No me toques.
Don't touch me.
Toca el piano muy bien.
He plays piano very well.
How to use it
Tocar means 'to play' (an instrument), 'to touch'. Regular -ar verb. Use tocar for instruments, jugar for games/sports — important split.
Common mistake
INSTRUMENTS use tocar; GAMES/SPORTS use jugar. 'Toco la guitarra' (play guitar), 'juego al tenis' (play tennis). Don't mix them up.