JLPT N3・N4 Vocabulary – Difference between “触る” and “触れる”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “触る” and “触れる”
2. 触る
3. 触れる
4. 触る VS 触れる
5. Figurative Usage
6. Summary
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What’s the difference between “触る” and “触れる”?
A: Japanese has many similar words, which can be confusing for learners. In this article, we clearly explain the meanings and usage of “触る” and “触れる” with concrete examples.
触る (JLPT N4)
[Meaning]
・Refers to the act of consciously touching something with the hand
・Bringing part of the body, such as the hand, into contact with something
・When something touches the body and the sensation is transmitted
[Examples]
目の見えない人は、物に触るだけで多くのことが分かるそうです。
It is said that people who are blind can understand many things just by touching objects.
子供のおでこを触ると、とても熱かったです。
When I touched the child’s forehead, it was very hot.
この商品には触らないでください。
Please do not touch this product.
触れる (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
・Slight contact (including both conscious and unconscious cases)
・When one object lightly and briefly comes into contact with another
[Examples]
冷たい風が頬に触れました。
A cold wind touched my cheek.
とても薄いガラスに触れたら、簡単に割れてしまいました。
When I touched the very thin glass, it broke easily.
彼の手が偶然私の手に触れて、少し驚きました。
When his hand accidentally touched mine, I was a little surprised.
触る VS 触れる
The main differences between these two verbs are intention and strength of contact.
Use “触る” when touching something consciously with the hand. Use “触れる” when something makes light or momentary contact, including cases where it happens unconsciously.
Also, use “触る” when the touch is relatively firm, and “触れる” when the contact is very light.
[Examples]
このビスケットは薄いので、力強く触ると割れてしまいます。
This biscuit is thin, so if you touch it too firmly, it will break.
ここに触れるだけで、簡単に電気をつけたり消したりできます。
Just touching here allows you to easily turn the light on and off.
赤ちゃんは何でも触りたがるので、危ないものは手の届かないところに置きましょう。
Babies want to touch everything, so be sure to keep dangerous items out of their reach.
この生地はとても繊細なので、少し触れただけでも跡がついてしまいます。
This fabric is very delicate, so even a slight touch can leave a mark.
Figurative Usage
[触る]
Besides its physical meaning, “触る” is also used figuratively to describe subtle situations involving human relationships or emotional impact. Below are some commonly used expressions.
当たり触りのない
[Meaning]
Refers to safe and neutral speech or behavior that does not hurt or offend others.
[Examples]
彼は会議で当たり触りのない意見しか言いませんでした。
He only gave safe, non-controversial opinions during the meeting.
初対面の人とは、当たり触りのない話題から始めるのが無難です。
When talking to someone you’ve just met, it’s safest to start with neutral, inoffensive topics.
［person+の］機嫌に触る
[Meaning]
Causing discomfort or anger to someone. It can also be used when unintentionally offending or upsetting someone.
[Examples]
昨日は父の機嫌に触ることを言ってしまい、怒られました。
Yesterday, I said something that upset my father, and he got angry.
彼は繊細だから、何気ない一言でも機嫌に触ることがあります。
He’s very sensitive, so even a casual remark can offend him.
触らぬ神に祟りなし
[Meaning]
A proverb meaning that if you stay out of unnecessary matters, you can avoid getting involved in troublesome situations.
[Examples]
彼の機嫌が悪そうだから、今日は話しかけない方がいいよ。触らぬ神に祟りなしだね。
He doesn’t seem to be in a good mood today, so it’s better not to talk to him. You know what they say — “Let sleeping dogs lie.”
その問題に関わると面倒なことになるかもしれないよ。触らぬ神に祟りなしって言うしね。
Getting involved in that issue might cause trouble. As the saying goes, “Let sleeping dogs lie.”
[触れる]
“触れる” is often used with abstract ideas, topics, or emotions, and its meaning changes depending on how it is used.
(topic / question, etc.) に触れる
[Meaning]
To bring up a topic or refer to something.
[Examples]
彼はいきなり核心に触れた質問をしました。
He suddenly asked a question that got straight to the heart of the matter.
スピーチの中で、その問題には触れませんでした。
He didn’t touch on that issue in his speech.
(culture / experience, etc.) に触れる
[Meaning]
To come into contact with culture or knowledge and deepen one’s understanding.
[Examples]
イギリスの文学に触れることで、言葉の美しさを実感しました。
By being exposed to British literature, I came to appreciate the beauty of the language.
旅行で日本の伝統的な祭りに触れることができて、感動しました。
I was deeply moved to experience a traditional Japanese festival during my trip.
(law / rule, etc.) に触れる
[Meaning]
To violate a rule or law.
[Examples]
その行為は会社の規則に触れるので、注意が必要です。
That action violates company rules, so caution is necessary.
無断でコピーを取るのは著作権法に触れる行為です。
Making copies without permission is an act that infringes on copyright law.
(emotion, etc.) に触れる
[Meaning]
To be deeply moved or to feel strong empathy.
[Examples]
彼女の優しさに触れて、涙が出そうになりました。
I was moved by her kindness and almost brought to tears.
試合後の選手たちの喜びの声に触れて、自分も嬉しくなりました。
Hearing the joyful voices of the players after the match made me feel happy too.
Summary
| Meaning | Degree of force | Figurative usage | |
| 触る | ・Consciously touching something with a part of the body, such as the hand ・Something coming into contact with the body, allowing the sensation to be felt | Relatively firm contact | Often used to describe delicate situations involving human relationships or emotional impact |
| 触れる | ・When one object lightly and briefly comes into contact with another (whether consciously or unconsciously) | Very light contact | Often used when referring to abstract concepts such as emotions, culture, experiences, or topics |
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