Japanese phrase
さわらないでください。 sa wa ra na i de ku da sa i
Meaning
Please do not touch that.
When to use it
A polite request to keep hands away from something. The wording is respectful but can sound firm when the item is delicate, unfinished, or off-limits.
Example dialogue
この絵、さわっていい？ ko no e sa wa tte i i
Can I touch this picture?
まだ乾いてないから、さわらないでください。 ma da kawa i te na i ka ra sa wa ra na i de ku da sa i
It is not dry yet, so please do not touch it.