se retourner
To roll over in French is se retourner.
se retourner is used to describe making a rolling motion or turning over.
Meaning: to make a rolling motion or turn (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of the reflexive pronoun se (oneself) and retourner (to turn/return), literally meaning 'to turn oneself over'.
Which one should you use?
While se retourner can mean to roll over in bed, it is also the standard way to say 'to turn around' (to face a different direction).
How does it change in a sentence?
As a reflexive verb, it requires a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject, such as je me retourne (I roll over) or il se retourne (he rolls over).
Did you know?
- The verb retourner shares a root with the English word 'return'. Both come from the Latin 'tornare', which originally described the action of a lathe turning a piece of wood.
- The phrase se retourner can be used metaphorically in the expression se retourner contre quelqu'un, which means 'to turn against someone' or to betray them.
- French has a specific noun retournement for a sudden roll or turn, often used in politics as un retournement de situation to describe a total reversal of a situation.
Examples in context
- Médor, roule sur le dos!Médor, roll onto your back!
- Le chat s'est retourné sur le dos.The cat rolled over on its back.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are helping a baby play on a mat.
- HugoRegarde, il essaie de se retourner !Look, he is trying to roll over!
- EmmaOui, il y arrive presque, Hugo.Yes, he almost has it, Hugo.
- HugoIl a enfin réussi à se retourner.He finally managed to roll over.
- EmmaC'est super, Emma est fière de lui.That's great, Emma is proud of him.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries retourner, se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
