a la vuelta de la esquina
/a la bwelta de la eskina/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for 'around the corner' is a la vuelta de la esquina.
This phrase can be used to describe something that is physically nearby or something that is imminent and happening very soon.
Meaning: imminent, very soon (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The expression literally translates to 'at the turn of the corner'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Latin America, a la vuelta de la esquina is a common variation. In Spain, the colloquial expression A un tiro de piedra is used to indicate that something is very close by.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverbial locution, a la vuelta de la esquina is fixed and does not change its form based on the gender or number of the subject it describes.
Did you know?
- The word vuelta is a relative of the English word 'voluble', which describes a person who speaks incessantly, as both come from a Latin root meaning to turn or roll.
- Spanish uses the word esquina for a corner, but the same root in French gives us the word échine, which refers specifically to an animal's spine.
- While a la vuelta de la esquina refers to time or distance, Spanish speakers use the phrase está al caer to describe an event that is about to happen immediately, literally meaning 'it is upon falling'.
Examples in context
- Él vive a la vuelta de la esquina.He lives just around the corner.This sentence shows how to use a la vuelta de la esquina to describe a physical location.Tatoeba #1055551 by Shishir, translation #290460 by CK
- Veo la muerte a la vuelta de la esquina.I see death around the corner.This sentence shows how to use a la vuelta de la esquina to describe something imminent.Tatoeba #2530469 by marcelostockle, translation #539544 by tomkun01
- La primavera está a la vuelta de la esquina.Spring is just around the corner.This sentence shows how to use a la vuelta de la esquina to describe an approaching season.Tatoeba #968719 by Shishir, translation #266950 by CK
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing their upcoming vacation.
- AlejandroNuestras vacaciones están a la vuelta de la esquina.Our vacation is around the corner.
- Sofía¡Sí! Estoy muy emocionada por el viaje.Yes! I am very excited about the trip.
- AlejandroTodavía tenemos que hacer las maletas.We still have to pack our suitcases.
- SofíaTienes razón, Alejandro, debemos organizarnos.You are right, Alejandro, we must get organized.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, de, esquina, la, vuelta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
