la voltereta
/la bolteɾeta/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "the flip" is la voltereta.
While la voltereta is a general term for a tumble or somersault, in gymnastics or acrobatics, it specifically refers to a single rotation.
Which one should you use?
El volantazo refers to a sudden change, similar to taking a sharp turn while driving and El cambiazo indicates a drastic change or swap.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "to do a flip" or "to perform a flip", use the verb dar (to give) with the noun, as in dar una voltereta.
How do you pronounce it?
/la bolteɾeta/
Did you know?
- The word voltear is a versatile root that can describe actions as diverse as flipping a pancake or the violent overturning of a car in a crash.
- In some Latin American contexts, a 'voltereta' can be used colloquially to describe a sudden, dizzying change in one's circumstances or luck.
- The suffix -eta in voltereta doesn't just make the word a noun, it historically implies that the movement is small, quick, or light.
Examples in context
- Hubo un cambio completo en la estrategiaThere was a complete flip in the strategy.
- ¿Viste el truco que hizo en la patineta?Did you see the flip he did on the skateboard?
- La empresa dio un volantazo completo en su estrategia de marketing.The company made a complete flip in its marketing strategy.
- Hizo la voltereta en la cama.He did the flip on the bed.
- No puedo hacer la voltereta sin ayuda.I cannot do the flip without help.
- La voltereta fue perfecta y limpia.The flip was perfect and clean.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are at a gymnastics class.
- LucíaAlejandro, ¿puedes hacer la voltereta?Alejandro, can you do the flip?
- AlejandroSí, pero necesito practicar más.Yes, but I need to practice more.
- Lucía¡Inténtalo ahora mismo!Try it right now!
- AlejandroMira, ¡ya salió la voltereta!Look, the flip finally worked!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
