Spanish word of the day: Dar un toque

What does “dar un toque” mean?

Dar un toque (idiom) — Literally, it means “to give a touch,” but in everyday Spanish, this phrase is all about giving someone a quick call, a short message, or a gentle reminder.

Example sentences with “dar un toque”

• Si llegas tarde, dame un toque.
  📱 If you’re running late, just give me a quick call.

• Te doy un toque cuando termine la reunión.
  🔔 I’ll ping you when I’m done with the meeting.

• Dale un toque a tu hermano para ver si ya salió.
  📞 Give your brother a quick call to see if he’s left yet.

This idiom uses the verb “dar” (to give). If you need to remember how to use htis verb, our conjugation tables can help!

“Dar un toque” in context

You’ll hear dar un toque all the time in casual conversations, especially among friends, family, or colleagues who want to keep things light and informal. It’s the go-to phrase when you don’t need a long chat—just a quick call, a WhatsApp message, or even a missed call to signal “I’m thinking of you” or “I’m here if you need me.”

This idiom is especially handy for making plans or coordinating with others. For example, if you’re meeting someone and plans are flexible, you might say, “Te doy un toque cuando esté cerca” (I’ll give you a heads-up when I’m nearby). It’s also common when you want to check in on someone without interrupting their day—just a little “toque” to stay in touch.