volver a
/bolbeɾ a/from spelling rules
In Spanish, to say "go back to" is volver a.
This phrase has two distinct meanings depending on what follows it. It can mean to do something again, or it can mean to return to a physical location. When you use it to mean performing an action once more, it is followed by an infinitive verb.
Which one should you use?
The phrase functions differently based on the type of word that follows it. If you follow volver a with a noun representing a location, it means "to go back to (a place)". If you follow it with a verb, it means "to do (something) again".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase to mean "to do something again," it must be followed by an infinitive. Additionally, the verb volver must be conjugated to match the subject of the sentence. For example, vuelvo a means "I do [something] again".
How do you pronounce it?
/bolbeɾ a/
Did you know?
- While 'volver' means 'to return', using the reflexive form volverse + an adjective creates a completely different meaning. Instead of returning to a state, it describes a sudden or permanent change in someone's character, such as 'becoming' crazy or 'turning' into a different person.
- Spanish uses the phrase volver en sí to describe the act of regaining consciousness or 'coming to' after fainting.
- The Spanish verb volver shares the same root as the English word 'revolve' and 'evolution', coming from the Latin word for 'roll'.
Examples in context
- Voy a volver a Boston.I'm going to go back to Boston.This sentence uses volver a to express the intent to return to a place.Tatoeba #5432884 by Seael, translation #2541894 by CK
- Quiero volver a España.I want to go back to Spain.This sentence uses volver a to express a desire to return to a place.Tatoeba #2706384 by Shishir, translation #2706329 by CN
- ¿Quieres volver a Boston?Do you want to go back to Boston?This sentence uses volver a to ask about returning to a place.Tatoeba #2015472 by marcelostockle, translation #2015129 by CK
- Necesito regresar a mi país natal.I need to go back to my home country.
- Debes volver a tu lugar de trabajo.You should go back to your workplace.
- Voy a volver a casa.I'm going back home.
- Ella quiere regresar a la fiesta.She wants to go back to the party.
- Nosotros regresaremos a nuestras raíces.We will go back to our roots.
- Ella vuelve a su casa todos los días.She goes back home every day.
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a difficult math exam.
- MaríaNo entiendo este ejercicio, Javier.I don't understand this exercise, Javier.
- JavierTienes que volver a estudiar el capítulo.You have to study the chapter again.
- MaríaSí, lo voy a volver a hacer.Yes, I am going to do it again.
- JavierBuena suerte, María.Good luck, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, volver, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
