触る

• Reading: さわる
• Romaji: sawaru
• Kanji breakdown: 触 (shoku/sawa/fu) — touch; 角 (horn) + 虫 (insect)
• Pronunciation: /sa.wa.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To touch; to feel with the hands; to handle an object.

A Group 1 (godan) verb that can be used both intransitively (に触る, to touch something) and transitively (を触る, to feel/handle something). Very commonly seen in prohibition signs: 触らないでください (please do not touch). Different from 触れる (fureru), which implies a lighter, more incidental contact.

Examples

1. 美術館では作品に触らないでください。 Please do not touch the artworks in the museum.
2. 赤ちゃんの手を触るとやわらかい。 When you touch a baby's hand, it feels so soft.
3. 熱い鍋に触ってやけどをした。 I touched a hot pot and got burned.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, museums, safety

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 触 combines 角 (tsuno, horn) with 虫 (mushi, insect), evoking the image of an insect feeling its way with antennae — a vivid representation of the sense of touch.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal