girar y hablar
/xiɾaɾ i ablaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "turn and talk" is translated into Spanish as girar y hablar.
This phrase is used as a classroom instruction, directing students to turn toward a partner to discuss a specific topic together.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: girar, which literally means "to turn" or "to rotate" and hablar, which means "to talk".
How do you pronounce it?
/xiɾaɾ i ablaɾ/
Did you know?
- While girar means 'to turn', in many Spanish-speaking countries it is also the standard word used for 'to cash' a check.
- The word hablar evolved from the Old Spanish word 'fablar', where the 'f' eventually transformed into a silent 'h'.
- The verb girar specifically implies a rotational movement, whereas voltear is often used if the student needs to turn their whole body around to face someone.
Example conversation
A teacher gives a direction to two students during a lesson.
- MateoMateo y Sofía, es hora de girar y hablar.Mateo and Sofía, it is time to turn and talk.
- Sofía¿Qué debemos discutir, profesor?What should we discuss, teacher?
- MateoHablen sobre la respuesta de la pregunta uno.Talk about the answer to question one.
- SofíaMuy bien, hablemos, Mateo.All right, let's talk, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries girar, hablar, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
