caminar de un lado a otro
/kaminaɾ de un lado a otɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'pace back and forth' is translated into Spanish as caminar de un lado a otro.
You can also use the alternative phrase ir y venir to describe this same repetitive motion of going and coming.
What does it mean word for word?
The component de un lado a otro literally means 'from one side to the other'.
Which one should you use?
ir y venir literally translating to 'to go and come'.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaminaɾ de un lado a otɾo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, pacing is associated with the term dar vueltas, which literally means 'to give turns' or 'to spin'.
- The phrase ir y venir can be used as a noun in Spanish to describe the general hustle and bustle of a crowded place.
- While caminar de un lado a otro describes the physical act, Spanish speakers often use the shorter phrase ir y venir to imply a state of restlessness or anxiety.
Examples in context
- El señor González andaba de un lado a otro en su oficina, preocupado.Mr. González was pacing back and forth in his office, worried.
- Ella recorría de un extremo a otro la habitación, sin poder concentrarse.She paced back and forth across the room, unable to concentrate.
- El profesor caminaba de un lado al otro frente al pizarrón, mientras pensaba cómo explicar el problema.The teacher paced back and forth in front of the blackboard, trying to figure out how to explain the problem.
- Estaba tan nervioso que daba vueltas por toda la sala de espera.He was so nervous that he paced back and forth around the waiting room.
- El niño se movía de un lado a otro en su habitación sin poder dormir.The child paced back and forth in his room, unable to sleep.
- Él caminaba de un lado a otro mientras esperaba la noticia.He was pacing back and forth while waiting for the news.
- No dejes de caminar de un lado a otro.Don't stop pacing back and forth.
- Él empezó a caminar de un lado a otro por los nervios.He started to pace back and forth because of nerves.
Example conversation
Mateo is waiting for a job interview result in the hallway.
- MateoNo puedo estar tranquilo, necesito caminar de un lado a otro.I can't be calm, I need to pace back and forth.
- ElenaMateo, te ves muy ansioso haciendo eso.Mateo, you look very anxious doing that.
- MateoEs que estoy muy nervioso por la respuesta.It's just that I'm very nervous about the answer.
- ElenaSiéntate un momento y respira profundo.Sit down for a moment and breathe deeply.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
