tiovivo
/tjoˈbibo/
The English phrase "merry go round" is translated into Spanish as tiovivo.
tiovivo refers to a fairground ride that rotates with seats for people to sit or stand on. To express the action of riding the merry-go-round, use the phrase montar en el tiovivo.
Which one should you use?
While tiovivo is a standard term, the synonym carrusel is often used to describe rides that are larger or more elaborate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Rioplatense Spanish, specifically in Argentina and Uruguay, the word calesita is commonly used instead of tiovivo.
How do you pronounce it?
/tjoˈbibo/
Did you know?
- The word tiovivo literally translates to 'living uncle'.
- The word carrusel shares a surprising historical link with military history. It stems from the same root as the English 'carousel', which originally referred to cavalry training exercises involving rotating movements.
- In Spain, a tiovivo is often the heart of a verbena, which is a traditional open-air street festival characterized by music and dancing.
Examples in context
- Los niños están montando en el tiovivo.The children are riding the merry-go-round.This sentence shows how to use the verb phrase with tiovivo.Tatoeba #10079055 by manufrutos, translation #10016424 by AlanF_US
- El tiovivo tiene luces de colores.The merry-go-round has colored lights.
- Me gusta dar vueltas en el tiovivo.I like riding on the merry-go-round.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are walking through a local fair.
- AlejandroSofía, mira aquel tiovivo.Sofía, look at that merry-go-round.
- SofíaEs muy bonito, Alejandro.It is very pretty, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Quieres subir al tiovivo conmigo?Do you want to ride the merry-go-round with me?
- Sofía¡Sí, vamos!Yes, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tiovivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tiovivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
