Learn Hardcore Spanish (Latin America): No toques la puerta con tanta fuerza, alguien puede salir herido. - Do not knock on the door so hard, someone could get hurt.

In Spanish, negative commands for the tú form require the present subjunctive. “No toques” is the correct negative imperative for “you” (informal) and is derived from the subjunctive form of “tocar.”

How does “tocar” in this sentence come to mean “knock on” rather than “touch”?

While “tocar” generally means “to touch,” in many Latin American contexts it is also commonly used for “knocking on” a door. The intended meaning here is “don’t knock on the door” even though the literal translation is “don’t touch the door.”

What does “con tanta fuerza” mean, and why is it important in the sentence?

“Con tanta fuerza” translates to “with so much force” or “so forcefully.” This phrase emphasizes that using excessive force when knocking can lead to unintended consequences, setting up the warning that follows in the sentence.

Why is “alguien puede salir herido” used instead of directly stating “you might get hurt”?

“Alguien” means “someone,” which makes the warning more general and less accusatory. It implies that using too much force could potentially injure anyone nearby, not necessarily the person doing the knocking, thereby broadening the caution.

What is the role of the comma in the sentence?

The comma separates two related clauses: the command “No toques la puerta con tanta fuerza” and the consequence “alguien puede salir herido.” It helps clarify that the dangerous outcome is a result of the forceful action described in the first part of the sentence.