voltar
/vowˈta(ʁ)/
The English phrase 'come back' is translated into Portuguese as voltar.
The verb voltar is used to mean 'to return' to a place, but it can also mean 'to turn' in the sense of changing direction.
Meaning: (''intransitive'') To return to a place (verb)
Which one should you use?
While voltar is the standard term for returning, retornar is a more formal synonym specifically for the meaning 'to return'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb voltar can function as both 'to return' (to a place) and 'to turn' (to change direction).
How do you pronounce it?
/vowˈta(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- The verb voltar shares its ancestry with the English word 'evolve' and the musical term 'volume', both of which stem from the Latin 'volvere', meaning 'to roll' or 'to turn'.
- The phrase voltar o rosto is used to describe the act of turning one's face, but it is often used figuratively to mean ignoring or snubbing someone.
- While voltar means to return, the phrase volta can also refer to a 'lap' in a race or a 'turn' in a game.
Examples in context
- Ele tem de voltar.He has to come back.This sentence shows how to use voltar to express necessity.Tatoeba #7087911 by iart61, translation #9303704 by Nylez
- Ele vai voltar logo.He will come back soon.This sentence demonstrates the use of voltar with a future intention.Tatoeba #1020896 by alexmarcelo, translation #290244 by CK
- Tom não quer voltar.Tom doesn't have to come back.This sentence illustrates the use of voltar with a negative intention.Tatoeba #8924383 by JGEN, translation #8912900 by CK
- Por favor, voltePlease, come back
- Retorne quando possívelReturn when possible
- Volte já, por favorCome back right away, please
- Volta logoCome back soon
- Volta aqui comigoCome back here with me
- Por favor, volte antes das 5 horas.Please come back before 5 o'clock.
- Volta aqui agora mesmo!Come back here right now!
- 188 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Gabriel are at the airport saying goodbye.
- MarianaQuando você vai voltar?When are you going to come back?
- GabrielEu preciso voltar na semana que vem.I need to come back next week.
- MarianaVocê vai voltar para o Brasil?Are you going to come back to Brazil?
- GabrielSim, eu vou voltar logo.Yes, I will come back soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “come back” translations and entries voltar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries voltar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
