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tocar means to play / to knock — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 10, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

tocar

verb • /[to-CAR]/

to play / to knock

Example:

Toca la puerta suave.

Knock the door softly.

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🧠 What does tocar mean?

While 'tocar' generally means 'to touch' or 'to play (an instrument),' in Mexican slang, it takes on the specific meaning of 'to play' music, especially in a casual setting. It's often used to ask someone to play a song or instrument, or to talk about playing music together informally. Think of it like jamming or having a casual musical get-together.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¿Te toca una rola?
    Will you play a song?
  • Vamos a tocar unas canciones en mi casa.
    We're going to play some songs at my house.
  • Me toca la guitarra.
    I play the guitar.
  • ¿Qué te toca?
    What instrument do you play?

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to play / to knock' in Spanish?
The most common translations are 'tocar' (for instruments, music in general, and knocking), 'jugar' (for games and sports), and 'interpretar' (for performing music formally).
How do you pronounce 'tocar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced toh-KAR, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
How do you use 'tocar' in a sentence?
In Mexican slang: '¿Te toca una canción?' (Will you play a song?). In standard Spanish: 'Toca la puerta.' (Knock on the door.) or 'Ella toca el piano.' (She plays the piano.).
What is the English translation of 'tocar'?
It depends on the context. It can mean 'to touch,' 'to play (an instrument),' 'to knock,' 'to ring (a doorbell),' or 'to concern/affect' someone. In Mexican slang, it primarily means 'to play' music informally.
Does 'tocar' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'tocar' conjugates like a regular -ar verb. For example, 'yo toco' (I play), 'tú tocas' (you play), 'él/ella/usted toca' (he/she/you formal play), 'nosotros tocamos' (we play), etc.
Is 'tocar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'tocar' is a very common verb in both standard Spanish and in many slang variations.
Does 'tocar' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, as mentioned, in Mexican slang it has the specific meaning of 'to play' music casually. It can also have other regional slang meanings, so pay attention to the context.
Is 'tocar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While the core meanings remain the same, slang usages like the Mexican one for 'to play' music might not be universally understood across all Spanish-speaking regions. Some expressions using 'tocar' can also vary regionally.
How do you conjugate 'tocar' in Spanish?
Present Tense: toco, tocas, toca, tocamos, tocáis, tocan. Past Tense (Preterite): toqué, tocaste, tocó, tocamos, tocasteis, tocaron. There are other tenses as well, which you'll learn as you progress in your Spanish studies!

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "tocar"

Synonyms: interpretar, sonar, ejecutar

💡 Did You Know?

In some Latin American countries, 'tocar' can also mean 'to fall to one's lot' or 'to be one's turn,' such as when distributing something.

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