Japanese word

触る

Pronunciation

Romajisawaru

Meaning

  • verbtouch

Example

その箱には触りません。so no bako ni wa sawa ri ma se n

I do not touch that box.

Illustration for 触る (touch)

More examples

雪に触ると冷たいです。yuki ni sawa ru to tsume ta i de su

Snow feels cold when you touch it.

この布は、実際に触って確かめます。ko no nuno wa jis sai ni sawa tte tashi ka me ma su

I check this fabric by actually touching it.

Core concept

Describes bringing a hand or another body part into contact with something to perceive or handle it.

Common phrases

  • 画面に触るga men ni sawa ru

    touch the screen

  • 手で触るte de sawa ru

    touch with one's hand

Similar words

触れるfureru: To make contact with something, usually without holding it.
いじるijiru: To handle something repeatedly with the hands, sometimes to examine or adjust it.
なでるnaderu: To move the hand gently across a surface or body.

Definition in Japanese

手などを物に触れさせ、その感触を確かめたり、直接扱ったりする。te na do o mono ni fu re sa se so no kan shoku o tashi ka me ta ri choku setsu atsuka tta ri su ru

Word origin

触る (sawaru) is a native Japanese verb whose exact older formation is uncertain, but its established meaning centers on physical contact.

Usage tips

  • Public notices often use 触るな (sawaru na, "do not touch") for a firm prohibition, while 触らないで (sawaranai de, "please do not touch") sounds softer in conversation.

Other meanings

  • feelverb
  • handleverb

Related words

  • 触り方sawarikataway of touchingnoun

Word lists with this word