turnarse
/tuɾˈnaɾse/
The English phrase "take turns" is translated into Spanish as turnarse.
turnarse is used to describe the act of doing the same thing one after another.
Meaning: do the same thing one after another (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb turnarse is reflexive, meaning it is typically used with reflexive pronouns like me, te, se, nos, os or se.
How do you pronounce it?
/tuɾˈnaɾse/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of turnarse is deeply embedded in the tanda or susu, a community saving circle where people take turns contributing and receiving a lump sum of money.
- The word turno comes from the Latin tornus, which was the word for a potter's wheel or a lathe that spins in circles.
- While English speakers say 'I have my turn', Spanish speakers use the verb 'to be' and say es mi turno.
Examples in context
- Durante la reunión, es importante que nos turnemos para hablar y mantener un ambiente respetuoso.During the meeting, it is important that we take turns speaking to maintain a respectful environment.
- Cuando jugamos al fútbol, nos turnamos para ser los porteros.When we play soccer, we take turns being the goalkeepers.
- Nos turnamos para conducir.We take turns driving.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry turnarse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
