触(さわ)る

さわる
verb (godan)
to touch
1. to touch
To bring one's hand or body into contact with something. The object touched is marked with に.
触(さわ)らないでください。
Please don't touch.
Common sign in museums and stores
ペンキに触(さわ)らないでください。
Please don't touch the paint.
この布(ぬの)は触(さわ)ると気持(きも)ちいいです。
This fabric feels nice when you touch it.
猫(ねこ)に触(さわ)ってもいいですか。
May I touch the cat?
熱(あつ)いから、触(さわ)らないで。
It's hot, so don't touch it.

TRANSITIVITY: 自動詞(じどうし) (intransitive - takes に). No pair verb. Pattern: Xに触(さわ)る (touch X).

ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing/repeated action. 触(さわ)っている = 'is touching.'

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • Xに触(さわ)る (touch X)
  • 触(さわ)らないでください (please don't touch)
  • 触(さわ)ると分(わ)かる (you can tell by touching)
  • 手(て)で触(さわ)る (touch with hand)

Note: Uses に (not を) for the thing being touched.

Related: 触(ふ)れる is more formal/literary.

basic
Added 2026.1.7 21:30 · Revised 2026.2.19 10:02
00500/00808_sawaru