touch

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading of 触 is しょく, and its kun readings are ふれる and さわる. It has 13 strokes and relates to touching or coming into contact.
• Basic usage: 触る is read さわる, and 触れる is read ふれる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 触る and 触れる
  • 触る means touch.
  • 展示品には手で触らないでください。 means “Please do not touch the exhibits.”
  • 触れる means to touch or to encounter.
  • 旅を通して異なる文化に触れた。 means “I encountered a different culture through travel.”