volver en sí
/bolbeɾ en si/from spelling rules
The English phrase "come to" can be translated into Spanish in several ways depending on the context, but the default form for regaining consciousness is volver en sí.
The phrase volver en sí is used specifically to mean regaining consciousness or coming to after fainting or being unconscious.
Meaning: to reach, to arrive at (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase volver en sí literally translates to "to return in oneself".
Which one should you use?
While "come to" can mean reaching a destination in English, you should use llegar a in Spanish for physical arrival rather than volver en sí. Use Acudir a if you mean making an appearance or attending an event, and use Pasar to mean "coming over" or "stopping by".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Argentina, Pasar is used to convey the idea of coming over or stopping by.
How do you pronounce it?
/bolbeɾ en si/
Did you know?
- The word sí in volver en sí is a reflexive pronoun and is not related to the word sí meaning 'yes'. They are spelled the same but have different origins and functions in the sentence.
- The word volver in the phrase volver en sí shares a common ancestor with the English word 'volve' as seen in 'revolve' or 'evolve'. It originally stems from the Latin 'volvere', meaning to roll or roll back.
- If you use volver a instead of volver en sí, the meaning changes entirely from regaining consciousness to repeating an action. For example, volver a comer means 'to eat again'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, venga a nuestra oficina mañana a las 9 am.Please come to our office tomorrow at 9 am.
- El presidente acudirá a la conferencia internacional.The president will come to the international conference.
- Pasa por mi casa cuando quieras.Come by my house whenever you want.
- Ven al cine con nosotros.Come to the movies with us.
- Por favor, vengan a la reunión del equipo.Please come to the team meeting.
- Ven a visitarme cuando estés en la ciudad.Come visit me when you're in town.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry volver en sí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, sí, volver, CC BY-SA 4.0.
