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tapoter

to tap, to pat

verb tah-poh-TAY Rare
Body & Health Movement

Also means

to type lightly (on a keyboard)

Usage Note

Tapoter is a diminutive-intensive form of taper (to hit), suggesting light, repeated tapping — tapoter l'épaule de quelqu'un (to tap someone on the shoulder) or tapoter son téléphone (to tap away at one's phone). It implies affection or absent-minded repetition rather than a strong blow.

Examples

"Elle lui a tapoté l'épaule pour le réveiller."

Natural Translation

She tapped him on the shoulder to wake him up.

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