развернись
razvernis'
The English phrase 'turn around' is translated into Russian as развернись (razvernis').
The verb is used to instruct someone to physically rotate 180 degrees to face the opposite direction.
Meaning: intransitive: to physically rotate horizontally 180 degrees (verb)
Which one should you use?
While развернись implies a full 180-degree rotation to face the opposite way, it is distinct from повернись, which can mean a simple turn or rotation in any direction.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form развернись is the singular imperative, used when speaking to one person whom you address informally. The form развернитесь is the plural or polite imperative, used when speaking to multiple people or one person formally.
How do you pronounce it?
razvernis'
Did you know?
- The root of развернись is closely related to the word for 'unrolling' or 'unfolding' something, like a scroll or a map, which gives the verb its sense of 'unfolding' one's direction.
- If you are driving, the act of making a U-turn is described using a noun derived from this root, разворот, rather than the verb for turning a body.
- Russian speakers might use развернуться to describe the feeling of finally having enough space to move or stretch out in a cramped room.
Examples in context
- Развернись и помоги мне.Turn around and help me.This sentence is useful for showing how to use развернись when asking for help.Tatoeba #13700091 by Ooneykcall, translation #6576222 by Eccles17
- Теперь развернись.Now turn around.This sentence is useful for showing how to use развернись to give a command.Tatoeba #2517680 by paul_lingvo, translation #2249730 by CK
- Извините, пожалуйста, обернитесь.Excuse me, could you please turn around?
- Пожалуйста, повернитесь на мгновение.Would you kindly turn around for a moment?
- Эй, обернись и посмотри!Hey, turn around and look!
- Не забудь повернуться перед тем, как уйдешь.Don't forget to turn around before you leave.
- Развернись, я хочу тебя увидеть.Razvernis', ya khochu tebya uvidet'.Turn around, I want to see you.
Example conversation
A man is looking at a photo in a gallery.
- Мария MariaАндрей, развернись на секунду.Andrey, razvernis' na sekundu.Andrey, turn around for a second.
- Андрей AndreyЧто случилось, Мария?Chto sluchilos', Mariya?What happened, Maria?
- Мария MariaЯ хочу сфотографировать тебя сзади.Ya khochu sfotografirovat' tebya szadi.I want to photograph you from behind.
- Андрей AndreyХорошо, я готов.Khorosho, ya gotov.Okay, I am ready.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
