giro
/ˈxiɾo/
The English phrase turnabout is translated into Spanish as giro.
The word giro refers to a reversal of a decision or opinion. You can also use viraje to describe a change in direction or a turn in a physical sense. If you want to express the action of making a turnabout or taking a complete turn, you can use the phrase Dar un vuelco.
Meaning: A reversal of a decision or opinion (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxiɾo/
Did you know?
- The word giro is also the standard term used in Spanish-speaking countries to describe a 'check' or 'bank draft' in a financial context.
- The Latin root of giro, the word gȳrus, is the direct ancestor of the English word 'gyroscope'.
- In Spanish, the concept of a sudden turnabout in emotion is often expressed as dar un vuelco al corazón, meaning the heart has 'flipped'.
Examples in context
- El discurso del político tuvo un giro inesperado cuando mencionó el tema del medio ambiente.The politician's speech took an unexpected turn when he mentioned the topic of the environment.
- Después de su viaje por Europa, Jorge decidió hacer un cambio de rumbo y comenzar su propio negocio.After his trip to Europe, Jorge decided to make a turnabout and start his own business.
- El final de esa película fue una vuelta de tuerca muy inesperada.The ending of that movie had a very unexpected twist.
- El giro en su opinión fue total.The turnabout in her opinion was total.
- Esperamos un giro inesperado del comité.We are expecting an unexpected turnabout from the committee.
- Ese giro de la política sorprendió a todos.That turnabout in policy surprised everyone.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a project's change in direction.
- MateoElena, el jefe cambió todo el plan.Elena, the boss changed the whole plan.
- ElenaNo puedo creer este giro tan repentino.I cannot believe this sudden turnabout.
- MateoAhora tenemos que empezar de nuevo.Now we have to start over.
- ElenaEs frustrante, pero trabajemos en ello.It is frustrating, but let's work on it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry giro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries giro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
