French Conversation · Level 25
90 words
French word
toucher
Pronunciation
IPA/tuʃe/
Meaning
- verbtouch
Example
Ne touche pas ça.
Don't touch that.
More examples
Je touche mon salaire à la fin du mois.
I receive my salary at the end of the month.
Core concept
Contact spreads from a physical touch to an effect on the heart or a share of money.
Common phrases
toucher son salaire
receive one's salary
toucher le cœur
touch the heart
Similar words
sentir: Feeling an object's surface or temperature through touch.
appuyer: Pressing a button or other object by exerting force.
Definition in French
Provoquer une impression ou une émotion chez quelqu'un par contact ou action ; le sens premier demeure l'entrée en contact physique, et il peut aussi signifier recevoir de l'argent.
Word origin
The verb descends from Old French touchier and ultimately from Vulgar Latin toccare, with figurative meanings growing from the idea of making contact.
Usage tips
- For an emotional response, French commonly uses être touché, while toucher quelqu'un means that something moves or affects that person.