girar
/xiˈɾaɾ/
The English verb 'turn' is translated into Spanish as girar. Wiktionary also lists virar.
Meaning: transitive: change the direction or orientation of, especially by rotation (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| girar | /xiˈɾaɾ/ |
| virar | /biˈɾaɾ/ |
The verb is used to describe changing the direction or orientation of something, especially through rotation. When you want to say 'turn left', use the phrase girar a la izquierda. If you are talking about 'taking a turn' or 'going for a spin' (such as a drive or a walk), Spanish speakers typically use the phrase dar una vuelta.
Which one should you use?
Girar emphasizes the physical act of rotation or spinning on an axis. In contrast, virar emphasizes a change in heading or direction. While girar is the standard for rotation, virar is a formal option often used in nautical or aviation contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and many Central American countries, voltear is commonly used to mean 'to turn'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/xiˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word virar might actually have Celtic roots, making it a possible linguistic outsider compared to the Latin-based girar.
- Spanish uses girar for the Earth's rotation on its axis, but usually switches to orbitar or dar la vuelta for its revolution around the sun.
- In some Caribbean dialects, virar is used more casually in daily speech than it is in the formal standard Spanish of Spain.
Examples in context
- ¿Puede girarse hacia allá?Can you turn that way?This sentence is useful for asking someone to turn a certain way using girar.Tatoeba #9926426 by Shishir, translation #9853900 by NurseMeeks
- ¿Qué hace girar a la Tierra?What makes Earth turn?This sentence is useful for discussing the rotation of the Earth using girar.Tatoeba #1965497 by marcelostockle, translation #12820564 by rul
- Tom intentó girar el pomo de la puerta, pero no cedió.Tom tried to turn the doorknob, but it wouldn't budge.This sentence is useful for describing the action of turning a doorknob using girar.Tatoeba #6834179 by albrusgher, translation #3504208 by CK
- Voy a girar en la próxima esquina.I am going to turn at the next corner.
- Por favor, gira la llave en sentido horario.Please turn the key clockwise.
- Tenemos que doblar a la derecha después de la estación de servicio.We have to turn right after the gas station.
- Dobla a la izquierda en el semáforo.Turn left at the traffic light.
- El avión va a virar hacia el oeste.The plane is going to turn west.
- Voltéate y mira ese hermoso paisaje.Turn around and look at that beautiful landscape.
- El niño volteó la tortilla en la sartén.The child flipped the tortilla in the pan.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are in a workshop fixing a machine.
- JavierTienes que girar la llave hacia la derecha.You have to turn the wrench to the right.
- SofíaYa estoy intentando girar la pieza.I am already trying to turn the part.
- JavierHazlo con cuidado para no romperla.Do it carefully so you don't break it.
- SofíaEstá muy dura, pero ya gira.It is very hard, but it is turning now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “turn” translations and entries girar, virar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries girar, virar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
