dar la vuelta
/ˌdaɾ la ˈbwelta/
The English phrase 'turn back' is translated into Spanish as dar la vuelta.
The phrase dar la vuelta is used to describe the action of reversing your direction. It is also the standard way to express the idea of turning around or making a U-turn.
Meaning: reverse direction (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb dar (to give) and the noun vuelta (turn/round), literally meaning 'to give the turn'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using dar la vuelta as an informal command directed at a single person, the form changes to da la vuelta.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌdaɾ la ˈbwelta/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Note that the reflexive form darse la vuelta can also be used to indicate the physical action of turning around or turning back.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if someone says dar una vuelta, they are not asking you to reverse direction, but rather to 'go for a stroll' or 'go for a drive'.
- In a culinary context, dar la vuelta is a common instruction in recipes, meaning to 'flip' something, such as a pancake or an omelet.
- The word vuelta is a cognate of the English word 'vault'. Both words derive from the Latin root for turning or rolling.
Examples in context
- Deberíamos dar la vuelta.We should turn back.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase dar la vuelta.Tatoeba #10783797 by megamanenm, translation #3178411 by CK
- Tenemos que dar la vuelta ahora.We have to turn back now.
- Es mejor dar la vuelta antes de que anochezca.It is better to turn back before it gets dark.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are hiking and realize they are lost.
- MaríaCreo que nos hemos perdido, Alejandro.I think we are lost, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSí, es necesario dar la vuelta.Yes, it is necessary to turn back.
- María¿Podemos dar la vuelta por ese camino?Can we turn back via that path?
- AlejandroSí, ese camino nos llevará al coche.Yes, that path will take us back to the car.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dar la vuelta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dar, la, vuelta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
