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B2 noun 14 min read

toque

Examples toque in 30 Seconds
Explanation toque in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'toque' as a simple word for 'touch' or a 'ringtone'. Imagine you are talking about your phone. You might say, 'O toque do meu celular é uma música.' This means 'My phone's ringtone is a song.' You also use it for very basic physical contact. For example, 'O toque da mão' is 'The touch of the hand.' At this stage, don't worry about the complex idioms. Just think of it as a noun that describes the sound your phone makes or the sensation of touching something soft or hard. It is a masculine noun, so always use 'o' or 'um' with it. Remember: 'o toque' (the touch/ring). You might also hear it in a classroom when a teacher says 'Não toque!' (Don't touch!), but that is the verb form. As a noun, it's just the thing itself—the sound or the feeling.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'toque' in more common social phrases. The most important one is 'dar um toque'. This means to give someone a quick hint or a reminder. For example, 'Vou dar um toque no meu amigo sobre a festa.' (I will give my friend a heads-up about the party.) You also use it to describe the texture of things more clearly. You can say 'Este tapete tem um toque suave' (This rug has a soft touch/feel). You will notice that 'toque' is very useful when shopping for clothes or furniture. You are expanding from just 'phone sounds' to 'how things feel' and 'giving basic information to friends'. You should also recognize that it's different from the verb 'tocar' (to touch/to play an instrument).
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with 'toque' in various contexts, including artistic and technical ones. You will learn about the 'toque final' (the finishing touch). This is used when you are finishing a project, a meal, or a painting. 'Só falta o toque final para o jantar estar pronto.' You also start to see 'toque' in compound terms like 'toque de recolher' (curfew), which you might hear in the news. Your understanding of 'dar um toque' becomes more nuanced; it's not just a reminder, but can be a subtle way to correct someone's behavior. You also use it to describe someone's skill, like 'Ele tem um toque especial para a música.' This means he has a special talent or 'touch' for music. You are now using the word to describe quality and talent, not just physical contact.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'toque' with precision and understand its idiomatic uses in different Lusophone cultures. You should understand the Brazilian slang 'se toca!', which is a way of telling someone to 'get a clue' or 'wise up'. You also use 'toque' to describe subtle atmospheres, such as 'um toque de humor' (a touch of humor) or 'um toque de ironia' (a touch of irony). In professional settings, you might discuss the 'toque de mestre' (master's touch) in a business strategy or an architectural design. You understand the difference between 'toque' and 'contato' and choose the right one for the context. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to use 'toque' to describe the finer details of human interaction and artistic expression.
At the C1 level, 'toque' becomes a tool for sophisticated description. You use it to analyze literature or art, discussing the 'toque pessoal' (personal touch) of an author or the 'toque de pincel' (brushstroke) of a painter. You are aware of the word's etymological roots and its connection to auditory signals like 'o toque do sino' (the tolling of the bell) and how this can be used metaphorically in writing. You can use phrases like 'ao toque de' (at the sound of/at the touch of) as a formal transition in your writing. You also understand the sociological implications of 'o toque' in different cultures—how physical touch varies between Brazil, Portugal, and Angola, and how the word itself reflects these social norms. You use the word effortlessly in complex grammatical structures.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'toque'. You can use it in highly abstract ways, such as discussing the 'toque da morte' (the touch of death) in a philosophical essay or the 'toque de Midas' (the Midas touch) in a critique of a successful entrepreneur. You understand the most subtle puns and wordplay involving 'toque'. You can navigate the most formal legal or military documents that use 'toque' to refer to specific signals, and simultaneously use the most informal street slang involving the word. Your use of 'toque' is no longer about the word itself, but about the thousands of cultural and historical layers it carries. You can adapt your use of 'toque' perfectly to the register, dialect, and emotional tone of any situation.
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Examples

toque in 30 Seconds

  • Toque is a masculine noun meaning 'touch', 'ringtone', or a 'hint/suggestion'.
  • It is used for physical sensations, technological sounds, and artistic finishing touches.
  • Commonly found in phrases like 'dar um toque' (to give a hint) and 'toque de recolher' (curfew).
  • In Brazilian slang, 'se toca' is an informal way to tell someone to 'wise up'.
The Portuguese word toque is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'touch' in English, but its utility extends far beyond simple physical contact. At its most basic level, it describes the physical act of one object or person coming into contact with another. However, in the Lusophone world, 'toque' is a linguistic Swiss Army knife. It is used to describe the ringtone of a smartphone, the specific style or 'signature' of an artist, a subtle hint or warning given to a friend, and even historical or legal signals like a curfew. Understanding 'toque' requires moving past the literal translation and embracing its role as a marker of sensation, communication, and nuance. In social contexts, 'toque' often appears in the phrase 'dar um toque', which means to give someone a heads-up or a quick suggestion. This usage is incredibly common in both Brazil and Portugal, serving as a polite way to intervene or offer advice without being overbearing. Furthermore, in the realm of technology, every time your phone rings, you are hearing a 'toque de telemóvel' (Portugal) or 'toque de celular' (Brazil). The word captures the essence of a signal—something that 'touches' your attention.
Physical Sensation
The tactile quality of a surface, such as the softness of silk or the roughness of stone. It refers to the immediate sensory feedback received through the skin.

O tecido de seda tem um toque muito suave e luxuoso.

In artistic and professional circles, 'toque' signifies the 'finishing touch' or a master's unique influence. When a chef adds a final sprig of parsley or a painter adds a specific highlight, they are providing the 'toque final'. This implies that the work was nearly complete, but it required that one specific, expert intervention to achieve perfection. This metaphorical 'touch' is what separates the mundane from the exceptional. It is the invisible hand of the creator that leaves a mark on the final product. Historically, 'toque' also relates to auditory signals. The 'toque de recolher' is the Portuguese term for 'curfew'. Originally, this referred to the ringing of a bell (the 'toque' of the bell) that signaled citizens to return to their homes. This usage persists today in military or emergency contexts. Whether it is the 'toque' of a trumpet in the barracks or the 'toque' of a notification on your iPad, the word consistently bridges the gap between a physical strike and a meaningful signal.
Metaphorical Hint
An informal piece of advice or a subtle warning intended to guide someone's behavior or inform them of a situation they might have missed.

Eu vou dar um toque nele sobre o horário da reunião para ele não se atrasar.

Finally, we must consider the 'toque' in sports, particularly football (soccer). A 'jogador de um toque' is a player who plays with 'one touch'—someone who passes the ball immediately upon receiving it. This reflects precision, speed, and technical mastery. In this context, 'toque' is the briefest moment of contact that changes the direction of the game. It is the intersection of physical movement and strategic intent. Whether you are discussing the texture of a peach, the melody of a ringtone, or a friend's helpful advice, 'toque' is the word that connects these varied experiences of contact and communication.
Using toque correctly in a sentence involves understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun and its common collocations with verbs like 'dar', 'ter', 'sentir', and 'mudar'. Because 'toque' is masculine, it is always preceded by 'o', 'um', 'do' (de + o), or 'no' (em + o). For example, if you are admiring the texture of a car's interior, you would say 'O toque do couro é excelente.' Here, 'toque' acts as the subject's attribute. When using the word to mean a 'hint' or 'suggestion', the verb 'dar' (to give) is almost always used. 'Eu dei um toque nela' translates to 'I gave her a hint' or 'I gave her a heads-up'. It is important to note that 'nela' (in her/on her) is the standard prepositional contraction used here, suggesting the hint was 'placed' upon her attention.
Artistic Context
Describing the unique style or the final adjustments made to a creative work to enhance its quality or personal flair.

Esta pintura precisa apenas de um toque de mestre para ficar perfeita.

In the context of technology and sound, 'toque' is used to describe the sound a device makes. You might say, 'Mudei o toque do meu celular ontem.' (I changed my phone's ringtone yesterday). Notice how 'toque' functions as a standalone noun representing the entire audio file or melody. If you are in a quiet environment and someone's phone rings, you might hear, 'Aquele toque é muito irritante!' (That ringtone is very annoying!). When describing physical sensations, 'toque' is often followed by adjectives like 'suave' (soft), 'áspero' (rough), 'frio' (cold), or 'quente' (warm). 'Senti o toque frio da neve no meu rosto' (I felt the cold touch of snow on my face). Here, the noun 'toque' is modified by the adjective 'frio' and linked to the source 'da neve'. This structure is very common in descriptive writing and literature.

Ao toque do sino, todos os alunos entraram na sala de aula.

In more abstract or emotional contexts, 'toque' can refer to a 'touch' of a certain quality, much like 'a touch of madness' or 'a touch of class' in English. In Portuguese, we say 'um toque de'. For instance, 'A sala tem um toque de elegância moderna' (The room has a touch of modern elegance). This usage allows you to describe subtle atmospheres or personality traits.
Technical/Military
Refers to a specific signal, usually auditory, that commands a certain action from a group of people.

O toque de recolher começa exatamente à meia-noite.

Finally, the phrase 'perder o toque' means 'to lose one's touch', specifically referring to a skill or ability that has diminished over time. 'Ele era um ótimo cozinheiro, mas parece que perdeu o toque' (He was a great cook, but it seems he lost his touch). This idiomatic use is identical to the English equivalent, making it an easy one for English speakers to adopt and use naturally in conversation.
You will encounter the word toque in almost every corner of Lusophone life, from the digital screens of São Paulo to the traditional cafes of Lisbon. One of the most frequent places you will hear it today is in the context of mobile technology. When someone asks 'Qual é o teu toque?' (What is your ringtone?), they are inquiring about your choice of alert sound. In a world dominated by smartphones, 'toque' has become the standard term for any notification sound, whether it is a call, a text message, or an alarm. In tech stores, you might see signs or settings menus labeled 'Toques e Sons' (Ringtones and Sounds).

Você pode baixar novos toques para o seu celular nesta loja virtual.

In social settings, particularly among friends, the phrase 'dar um toque' is ubiquitous. Imagine you are at a party and your friend has a piece of spinach in their teeth. You wouldn't want to embarrass them loudly; instead, you would 'dar um toque' (give them a nudge/hint). You might say to another friend later, 'Eu dei um toque nela sobre a comida no dente.' This usage highlights the word's role in the 'social lubricant' of Portuguese culture, where subtle communication is often preferred over bluntness. In the world of sports, especially in Brazil—the land of 'o jogo bonito'—'toque' is a technical term. Commentators often praise a team's 'toque de bola' (ball control/passing style). A team with a good 'toque de bola' is one that moves the ball fluidly and accurately between players. If a player has a 'toque refinado', they possess a refined, elegant way of handling the ball. This usage elevates 'toque' from a simple contact to a high-level skill.
Sports Commentary
Refers to the precision and style with which a player or team handles and passes the ball.

O time brasileiro é famoso pelo seu excelente toque de bola rápido.

You will also hear 'toque' in more somber or official environments. During a public health crisis or a period of civil unrest, the government might announce a 'toque de recolher'. This is a phrase that appears frequently in news broadcasts and official government decrees. It carries a weight of authority and restriction. Similarly, in a religious or traditional town, the 'toque dos sinos' (ringing of the bells) marks the passage of time, a call to prayer, or an announcement of a death or celebration.
Musical/Performance
The specific way a musician strikes or interacts with their instrument to produce a unique sound.

O toque do violonista era tão leve que parecia que as cordas choravam.

Lastly, in the beauty and interior design industries, 'toque' is used to describe the finish of a product. A moisturizer might promise a 'toque seco' (dry touch/matte finish), meaning it won't leave your skin oily. A wall paint might have a 'toque de cetim' (satin touch). In these commercial contexts, 'toque' is a selling point, promising a specific physical experience for the consumer. From the most mundane settings to the most specialized fields, 'toque' remains an essential part of the Portuguese vocabulary.
For English speakers learning Portuguese, the word toque presents a few subtle traps. The most common mistake is confusing the noun 'toque' with various forms of the verb 'tocar'. While they are related, their functions in a sentence are distinct. For instance, 'Eu toque' is grammatically incorrect if you mean 'I touch' (which is 'Eu toco'). 'Toque' as a verb form only appears in the subjunctive (que eu toque) or the imperative (toque você!). Beginners often accidentally use the noun form when they intend to use the present indicative verb form.
Noun vs. Verb Confusion
Mistaking the noun 'toque' (the touch) for the present tense verb 'toco' (I touch) or 'toca' (he/she touches).

Errado: Eu toque o piano. (Correcto: Eu toco o piano.)

Another frequent error is the gender of the word. Since many Portuguese words ending in 'e' can be ambiguous, students sometimes assume 'toque' is feminine and say 'a toque'. However, 'toque' is strictly masculine: o toque. This affects the adjectives and articles that accompany it. Saying 'uma toque' instead of 'um toque' is a hallmark of a learner who hasn't yet internalized the gender of common nouns. This is particularly important in phrases like 'o toque final' or 'o toque de mestre'. In the context of the phrase 'dar um toque', learners sometimes struggle with the preposition. In English, we say 'give a hint to someone'. In Portuguese, while 'dar um toque a alguém' is correct in Portugal, in Brazil it is very common to say 'dar um toque em alguém' or 'dar um toque nele/nela'. Using the wrong preposition might not make you misunderstood, but it can sound unnatural depending on which dialect you are aiming for.

Dê um toque no João sobre a festa; ele parece ter esquecido.

There is also the issue of 'false friends' or over-extension. While 'toque' means 'touch', it is not always the best word for 'contact'. If you want to say 'Keep in touch', you would not say 'Fique em toque'; you would say 'Fique em contato' or 'Mantenha contato'. 'Toque' implies a specific instance or a quality of touch, whereas 'contato' is the general state of being in communication. Using 'toque' in the wrong context of 'contact' can make your Portuguese sound overly literal and translated from English.
Contextual Over-extension
Using 'toque' for 'communication contact' instead of the more appropriate word 'contato'.
Lastly, be careful with the slang expression 'se toca'. In Brazil, this is a very common way to tell someone to 'get real' or 'realize what's happening'. However, because it literally translates to 'touch yourself', it can be confusing or even sound inappropriate to a learner who doesn't know the idiomatic meaning. It is an informal, often slightly aggressive or sarcastic expression. Using it in a formal setting, like a business meeting, would be a major social faux pas. Always ensure you are in a casual environment before telling someone to 'se tocar'.

Se toca, cara! Você está sendo muito inconveniente.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—noun vs. verb, masculine gender, appropriate prepositions, and idiomatic boundaries—you can use 'toque' with the precision of a native speaker.
To truly master the word toque, it is helpful to understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. While 'toque' is versatile, there are times when a more specific word is required to convey your exact meaning. For example, if you are talking about a very light, affectionate touch, you might use 'carícia' (caress) or 'afago' (stroke/fondle). These words carry an emotional weight that 'toque' alone sometimes lacks. 'Toque' is more clinical or neutral, whereas 'carícia' implies love or tenderness.
Toque vs. Contato
'Toque' refers to the specific act or quality of touching, while 'contato' is a broader term for communication or being in proximity.

O toque foi breve, mas o contato entre as duas empresas será longo.

When 'toque' is used to mean a 'hint' or 'tip', another alternative is 'dica'. While 'dar um toque' is often a corrective hint (e.g., 'you have something on your face'), a 'dica' is usually a piece of helpful information or a recommendation (e.g., 'here is a good restaurant'). 'Dica' is much more common in the context of advice, while 'toque' remains the go-to for a subtle, often social, nudge. In the context of signals or warnings, 'sinal' is a strong alternative. While 'toque de recolher' is a specific type of signal, a 'sinal' can be anything from a traffic light to a non-verbal cue. 'Toque' is specifically associated with sounds (bells, ringtones) or physical contact, whereas 'sinal' is more general and often visual. If you want to say 'give me a sign', you would say 'me dê um sinal', not 'me dê um toque' (unless you mean 'give me a hint').
Toque vs. Batida
'Toque' is a light or intentional contact, whereas 'batida' implies a stronger impact, like a knock on a door or a car crash.

Ouvi uma batida forte na porta, mas senti apenas um leve toque no meu ombro.

For the 'finishing touch' meaning, you can also use 'arremate' or 'acabamento'. These words are more technical and are often used in construction, sewing, or manufacturing. 'Toque final' is more poetic and subjective, suggesting that the final addition was an artistic choice rather than just a functional completion. If you are talking about the finish on a piece of furniture, 'acabamento' is the professional term, but if you are talking about the 'soul' of a room, you might use 'toque'.
Toque vs. Estilo
'Estilo' is a person's overall aesthetic, while 'toque' is the specific, often subtle, way that style is manifested in a particular instance.

O toque pessoal da decoradora transformou a casa, embora o estilo geral fosse minimalista.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise in your Portuguese. While 'toque' is a safe and common word, knowing when to reach for 'carícia', 'dica', 'sinal', or 'acabamento' will significantly elevate your fluency and help you express more complex thoughts and emotions.
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Examples by Level

1

O toque do meu telefone é alto.

My phone's ringtone is loud.

Masculine noun 'o toque' used as a subject.

2

Eu gosto do toque desta blusa.

I like the feel/touch of this blouse.

Contraction 'do' (de + o) indicates possession/source.

3

O bebê tem um toque suave.

The baby has a soft touch.

Adjective 'suave' modifies 'toque'.

4

Um toque na tela abre o aplicativo.

A touch on the screen opens the app.

Prepositional phrase 'na tela' (em + a).

5

Qual é o seu toque favorito?

What is your favorite ringtone?

Interrogative sentence with masculine 'o seu'.

6

Sinto o toque da chuva.

I feel the touch of the rain.

Verb 'sentir' often precedes the noun 'toque'.

7

O toque do sino indica o meio-dia.

The ringing of the bell indicates noon.

Refers to an auditory signal.

8

Este papel tem um toque áspero.

This paper has a rough touch.

Adjective 'áspero' (rough) agrees with 'toque'.

1

Vou dar um toque nela mais tarde.

I'll give her a heads-up later.

Idiom 'dar um toque' means to hint or remind.

2

O toque de veludo é muito agradável.

The touch of velvet is very pleasant.

Noun 'veludo' acts as a modifier.

3

Preciso mudar o toque do despertador.

I need to change the alarm clock ringtone.

Compound noun 'toque do despertador'.

4

Ela sentiu um toque no ombro.

She felt a touch on her shoulder.

Indefinite article 'um' used for a single instance.

5

Dê um toque no João sobre o jantar.

Give João a hint about the dinner.

Imperative 'dê' (give) with the idiom.

6

O toque da areia nos pés é bom.

The touch of sand on the feet is good.

Plural 'nos pés' follows the noun.

7

Recebi um toque de notificação.

I received a notification sound.

Abstract signal usage.

8

O toque dele foi muito gentil.

His touch was very gentle.

Possessive 'dele' follows the noun.

1

O chef deu o toque final ao prato.

The chef gave the final touch to the dish.

Common phrase 'toque final'.

2

O toque de recolher começa às dez.

The curfew starts at ten.

Specific term for curfew.

3

Sua música tem um toque de melancolia.

Your music has a touch of melancholy.

Metaphorical 'touch' of a quality.

4

Ele tem um toque de mestre na marcenaria.

He has a master's touch in carpentry.

Idiom 'toque de mestre' for high skill.

5

O toque do piano era muito expressivo.

The piano playing (touch) was very expressive.

Refers to the style of musical performance.

6

A decoração tem um toque moderno.

The decoration has a modern touch.

Describes aesthetic influence.

7

Ela perdeu o toque para as plantas.

She lost her touch with plants.

Idiom 'perder o toque' (to lose one's skill).

8

O toque de seda é o diferencial deste produto.

The silk-like touch is the differentiator of this product.

Used in marketing and descriptions.

1

Se toca! Você está sendo enganado.

Get a clue! You are being deceived.

Informal Brazilian slang 'se toca'.

2

O toque de recolher foi suspenso ontem.

The curfew was lifted yesterday.

Passive voice 'foi suspenso'.

3

A pintura revela o toque sutil do artista.

The painting reveals the artist's subtle touch.

Refers to stylistic nuances.

4

Falta um toque de sal nesta sopa.

A touch of salt is missing in this soup.

Quantitative metaphor.

5

O toque de clarim acordou os soldados.

The bugle call woke the soldiers.

Military auditory signal.

6

Ele deu um toque discreto para sairmos.

He gave a discreet hint for us to leave.

Adjective 'discreto' modifies 'toque'.

7

O toque de veludo da pele é invejável.

The velvet touch of the skin is enviable.

Highly descriptive usage.

8

O time mostrou um ótimo toque de bola.

The team showed great ball control/passing.

Sports technical term.

1

O autor utiliza um toque de realismo fantástico.

The author uses a touch of magical realism.

Literary analysis context.

2

Ao toque da primeira luz, a floresta desperta.

At the touch of the first light, the forest wakes.

Poetic and formal structure 'ao toque de'.

3

O toque de Midas dele transformou a empresa.

His Midas touch transformed the company.

Mythological allusion used in business.

4

A restauração manteve o toque original da obra.

The restoration kept the work's original touch.

Refers to authenticity and style.

5

Havia um toque de desespero em sua voz.

There was a touch of despair in his voice.

Describes abstract emotional qualities.

6

O toque de recolher impôs um silêncio sepulcral.

The curfew imposed a deathly silence.

Advanced vocabulary and imagery.

7

Ela tem o toque de ouro para investimentos.

She has the golden touch for investments.

Idiomatic expression for success.

8

O toque das mãos é vital para o desenvolvimento.

The touch of hands is vital for development.

Scientific or psychological context.

1

O toque de finados ecoou por todo o vale.

The tolling for the dead echoed through the valley.

Specific religious/cultural auditory signal.

2

Sua escrita carece daquele toque de genialidade.

His writing lacks that touch of genius.

High-level critical evaluation.

3

O toque de recolher era uma lembrança da ditadura.

The curfew was a reminder of the dictatorship.

Historical and political connotation.

4

A fragrância tem um toque de sândalo e âmbar.

The fragrance has a touch of sandalwood and amber.

Sensory analysis in high-end commerce.

5

O toque de mestre foi a mudança de tom no final.

The master stroke was the change of tone at the end.

Refers to strategic or artistic brilliance.

6

O toque das águas geladas despertou seus sentidos.

The touch of the icy waters awakened his senses.

Literary and evocative language.

7

Ele agiu com um toque de insolência inesperada.

He acted with a touch of unexpected insolence.

Nuanced description of behavior.

8

O toque de recolher foi o estopim para a revolta.

The curfew was the spark for the revolt.

Metaphorical and historical usage.

Common Collocations

dar um toque
toque final
toque de recolher
toque de mestre
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This Word in Other Languages

toque 英語 toque スペイン語
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