volverse contra mí
/bolbeɾse kontɾa mi/from spelling rules
The English phrase "turn on me" is expressed in Spanish as volverse contra mí.
This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone suddenly becomes hostile or aggressive toward you, despite having been a friend or an ally previously.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb volverse (to turn oneself/to become) and the prepositional phrase contra mí (against me).
Which one should you use?
While volverse contra mí emphasizes the sudden shift in attitude, traicionarme is a more direct way to say "to betray me".
How do you pronounce it?
/bolbeɾse kontɾa mi/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if someone 'turns on you' through a sudden betrayal of trust, you might hear the verb dar la espalda (to give the back), which focuses on the act of abandoning someone.
- The word contra shares an ancestor with the English word 'counter', meaning both words describe something positioned or acting in opposition to another.
- In Spanish, the verb volverse can be used to describe a sudden transformation, such as volverse loco for 'going crazy'.
Examples in context
- No esperaba que mi mejor amigo se volviera contra mí.I didn't expect my best friend to turn on me.
- No esperaba que tu hermano pudiera volverse contra mí.I didn't expect that your brother could turn on me.
- Ella decidió volverse contra mí después de la discusión.She decided to turn on me after the argument.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a recent betrayal by a mutual friend.
- MateoNo entiendo por qué él decidió volverse contra mí.I don't understand why he decided to turn on me.
- SofíaFue una sorpresa para todos, Mateo.It was a surprise for everyone, Mateo.
- MateoSiento que su actitud cambió de repente.I feel like his attitude changed suddenly.
- SofíaLo siento mucho, pero no podemos hacer nada.I am very sorry, but we cannot do anything.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contra, mí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
