auftupfen

to dab on, to apply by dabbing

verb OWF-toop-fen Rare

Usage Note

auftupfen is separable and describes the dabbing application of a liquid or cream onto skin — antiseptic on a wound, eye cream, or concealer. The dabbing motion (tupfen) is gentle and precise. Common in first-aid and cosmetic instructions.

Examples

"Sie tupfte das Desinfektionsmittel vorsichtig auf die Wunde auf."

Natural Translation

She carefully dabbed the antiseptic onto the wound.

Literal Translation

She dabbed the antiseptic carefully on the wound up.

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