The presente de subjuntivo of tocar is used to express desires, doubts, or uncertainty about the action of touching, as well as in certain dependent clauses. For example, Es importante que toquen la puerta antes de entrar. (It’s important that they knock on the door before entering.)

Tocar is a verbo con cambio vocálico, meaning the stem vowel changes in certain conjugations. For this verb, the o becomes ue in the subjunctive mood.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Tocar (to play) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish):

Tocar generally means “to touch” or “to play” an instrument, but has several different meanings in the Subjunctive Mood, some of which might surprise you.

To touch: for example, Aunque toque la puerta, no abras (Even if he/she touches/knocks on the door, don’t open).

To play (an instrument): for example, Es importante que toque el piano todos los días (It’s important that he/she plays the piano every day).

To be someone’s turn: for example, Cuando te toque, levanta la mano (When it’s your turn, raise your hand).

To mention or discuss (a topic): for example, Aunque toquen ese tema, no te preocupes (Even if they touch on/mention that topic, don’t worry).

To bother or annoy (colloquial): for example, No me toques las narices (Don’t bother/annoy me).

To have an intimate relationship with someone (vulgar): for example, Aunque me toque, no le diré a nadie (Even if he/she sleeps with me, I won’t tell anyone).

Examples

Examples of Tocar in the Subjunctive Mood

Espero que toque la guitarra en el concierto de esta noche. (I hope he plays the guitar at the concert tonight.)

Es importante que cada uno de nosotros toquemos un instrumento. (It’s important that each of us plays an instrument.)

Ojalá que ustedes toquen canciones alegres en la fiesta. (I hope you all play cheerful songs at the party.)

Aunque no soy músico, me gustaría que toque el piano algún día. (Although I’m not a musician, I’d like to play the piano someday.)

Si tuvieras la oportunidad, ¿te gustaría que toquemos juntos en una banda? (If you had the chance, would you like us to play together in a band?)

El profesor insistió en que los estudiantes toquen sus instrumentos con más pasión. (The teacher insisted that the students play their instruments with more passion.)

Mamá quiere que toque el violín en la boda de mi hermana. (Mom wants me to play the violin at my sister’s wedding.)

Tal vez sería bueno que toquen música relajante durante la meditación. (Maybe it would be good for them to play relaxing music during meditation.)

Independientemente de su nivel, es importante que todos toquemos un instrumento. (Regardless of their level, it’s important that we all play an instrument.)

Aunque no tengo mucha experiencia, mi amigo sugirió que toque la batería en su banda. (Although I don’t have much experience, my friend suggested that I play the drums in his band.)

El director de la orquesta exigió que todos los músicos toquen en perfecta armonía. (The orchestra conductor demanded that all the musicians play in perfect harmony.)

Quiero que mis hijos toquen un instrumento desde pequeños para desarrollar su talento musical. (I want my children to play an instrument from a young age to develop their musical talent.)

Aunque no soy un experto, me emociona que toquemos juntos de vez en cuando. (Although I’m not an expert, I’m excited that we get to play together occasionally.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Tocar (to play) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Subjunctive mood is also known as the Simple Subjunctive, Subjunctive Present, or Present Subjunctive Mood in English, and as Presente de Subjuntivo, Subjuntivo Presente, Presente del Modo Subjuntivo, or Tiempo Presente del Subjuntivo in Spanish.