Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| tournoyer | /tuʁ.nwa.je/ |
| pivoter rapidement |
The French language offers different ways to express the concept of spinning depending on the motion described. Use tournoyer to describe a swirling or whirling motion, often involving fluids or air. Use pivoter rapidement when describing a more deliberate, mechanical or quick turn around a central axis. Relatedly, the noun tour refers to a circular motion, while vrille is used specifically for a spin in a flight condition.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the nature of the movement: tournoyer is best for a continuous, fluid motion like leaves swirling in the wind or a bird circling in the air. In contrast, pivoter rapidement is used for a quick, intentional spin on an axis, such as a person or an object spinning in place. For a more general, everyday way to say 'to turn' or 'to spin', you can use the common verb tourner.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tournoyer is pronounced /tuʁ.nwa.je/ and has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, a 'spin' in the context of a car losing control on a road is called a tête-à-queue, which literally means 'head-to-tail'.
- The word tour can mean a 'spin' or 'turn', but it also means a 'trick' as in 'magic trick', because both involve a deceptive twist.
- If you want to say a 'spinning top' (the toy), the French use the word toupie, which is a completely different noun than the verbs used for spinning.
Examples in context
- Le danseur a effectué un tour complet sur la pointe des pieds.The dancer spun around on tiptoes.
- J'ai fait tourner la roue de la bicyclette.I spun the bicycle wheel.
- Les enfants ont fait tournoyer les hélices du cerf-volant.The children made the kite's propellers spin around.
- Regarde les flocons de neige tournoyer dans l'air.Watch the snowflakes spin in the air.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are watching a light snowstorm from a window.
- ChloéRegarde comme la neige semble tournoyer.Look at how the snow seems to spin.
- HugoC'est vrai, c'est magnifique, Chloé.It's true, it's magnificent, Chloé.
- ChloéElle tournoie très vite avec le vent.It spins very fast with the wind.
- HugoOui, le spectacle est incroyable.Yes, the show is incredible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spin” translations and entries tournoyer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
