Spanish Phrase
Sí, toca al salir.
Meaning
A concise way to say “Yes, you should (do it) when you leave.” The verb toca conveys a mild obligation or recommendation rather than a strict command.
When to use
Use this phrase after someone asks whether a certain action is required before departing – for example, signing a form, turning off the lights, or returning a key. It’s informal but perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sí,tocaalsalir.
Sí (affirmation)
Used to answer positively to a yes‑no question, equivalent to “yes”.
toca (impersonal verb)
From the verb tocar, used impersonally to express an obligation or recommendation, similar to “it’s time to” or “one must”.
al + infinitive
The contraction of a + el before an infinitive, meaning “when” or “upon”.
salir (infinitive)
The infinitive form of the verb “to leave” or “to go out”.
🗨In Conversation
¿Tengo que firmar el documento antes de irme?
Do I have to sign the document before I go?
Sí, toca al salir.
Yes, you should do it when you leave.
✕Common Mistakes
Sí, toca a salir.
The preposition a does not contract with el before an infinitive; the correct form is al.
Sí, toca al saliré.
Do not add a personal ending to salir; the infinitive is required after al.
Sí, toca al saliré.
Mixing toca with a future form changes the meaning; keep the infinitive after al.
↔Alternatives
Sí, hay que hacerlo al salir.
Yes, it must be done when you leave.
Sí, deberías hacerlo al salir.
Yes, you ought to do it when you leave.
Sí, es necesario hacerlo al salir.
Yes, it’s necessary to do it when you leave.
Cultural Tip
The impersonal use of toca to express obligation is very common in Spain and many Latin‑American countries, especially in informal speech. It sounds softer than debes or tienes que, making it a polite way to give a suggestion or reminder.