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roce means gentle touch — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 18, 2025

Beautiful Spanish

roce

noun • /[RO-the]/

gentle touch

Example:

El roce de tus dedos trazó un mapa de calma.

The gentle touch of your fingers drew a map of calm.

🧠 What does roce mean?

Roce captures the essence of a light, delicate touch – like the brush of a feather or a fleeting caress. It suggests something gentle, brief, and often unintentional. While it can refer to physical contact, it can also describe a near miss or a slight encounter, whether physical or metaphorical. Imagine the gentle graze of leaves against your skin as you walk through a forest, or two cars narrowly avoiding a collision – these moments embody the nuance of 'roce'.

📚 Extra examples

  • Sentí el roce de su mano al pasar.
    I felt the brush of their hand as they passed.
  • El barco evitó el roce con el iceberg.
    The ship avoided grazing the iceberg.
  • Tuvimos un roce con la policía, pero no pasó nada grave.
    We had a slight run-in with the police, but nothing serious happened.
  • Con un roce de magia, transformó la calabaza en un carruaje.
    With a touch of magic, she transformed the pumpkin into a carriage.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'roce' comes from the verb 'rozar', which means 'to graze' or 'to brush against'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "roce"

Synonyms: toque suave, caricia ligera, rozar
Opposites: golpe, empujón

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'gentle touch' in Spanish?
While 'roce' is a great option, you could also use 'toque suave' or 'caricia ligera', depending on the specific context.
How do you pronounce 'roce' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'RO-say', with the emphasis on the first syllable. The 'c' is pronounced like the 's' in 'say'.
How do you use 'roce' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'Sentí el roce de su mano' (I felt the brush of their hand), or 'El coche evitó el roce con el otro vehículo' (The car avoided grazing the other vehicle).
What is the English translation of 'roce'?
The best translation is often 'gentle touch' or 'graze', but it can also mean 'brush', 'near miss', or 'slight encounter' depending on the situation.
Does 'roce' change for gender or number?
No, 'roce' remains the same regardless of gender or number.
Is 'roce' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'roce' is used fairly often in everyday conversations and writing.
Does 'roce' have slang or double meanings?
While 'roce' itself doesn't have slang meanings, the related verb 'rozar' can sometimes have a slightly suggestive connotation depending on the context, referring to a touch that is perhaps a little too close for comfort.
Is 'roce' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'roce' are generally consistent across Spain and Latin America.

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