date la vuelta
/date la bwelta/from spelling rules
To turn behind in Spanish is date la vuelta.
This phrase is used when instructing someone to rotate their body to face the opposite direction.
Which one should you use?
Voltee hacia atrás is a formal way to express the command, while Gírate hacia atrás is the informal way to say it.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the phrase in a formal or polite context, such as with a stranger or an elder, use dése la vuelta instead of date la vuelta. If you are addressing a group of people, the correct form is den la vuelta.
Did you know?
- While date la vuelta instructs someone to rotate, the phrase dar la vuelta a la tortilla is used idiomatically to describe a complete reversal of a situation.
- Depending on the region, dar la vuelta can mean to turn something inside out, such as a piece of clothing, rather than turning the body.
- The word vuelta is a linguistic relative of the English word 'vault'. Both descend from the Latin word volūtus, which refers to something that has been rolled or turned.
Examples in context
- Juan, vuélvete hacia atrás y mira lo que encontré.Juan, turn behind and look at what I found.
- Gírate hacia atrás y verás la sorpresa.Turn behind and you'll see the surprise.
- Date la vuelta para que te vea.Turn around so that I can see you.
Example conversation
Daniel is teaching Lucía a dance move in a studio.
- DanielLucía, date la vuelta lentamente.Lucía, turn around slowly.
- Lucía¿Así está bien, Daniel?Is that okay, Daniel?
- DanielSí, ahora date la vuelta con más gracia.Yes, now turn around with more grace.
- LucíaLo intentaré de nuevo.I will try it again.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, vuelta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
