tornar Present Conjugation
tornar — to return
The present tense of 'tornar' is regular: torno, tornas, torna, tornamos, tornáis, tornan, used for current or habitual returning.
tornar Present Forms
When to Use the Present
Use the present tense of 'tornar' for actions of returning that are happening right now, are habitual, or are generally true. It can also be used for immediate future actions.
Notes on tornar in the Present
'Tornar' is a regular -ar verb in the present tense. All conjugations follow the standard pattern.
Example Sentences
Yo torno mi atención a la pantalla.
I turn my attention to the screen.
yo
¿Tornas a menudo a tu ciudad natal?
Do you often return to your hometown?
tú
El tren torna a la estación cada hora.
The train returns to the station every hour.
él/ella/usted
Ellos tornan la ropa usada al punto limpio.
They return the used clothes to the recycling point.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Nosotros tornamos el favor mañana.
We will return the favor tomorrow.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using 'regresar' or 'devolver' when 'tornar' is more natural.
Correct: While synonyms, 'tornar' can sometimes imply returning something to its origin or returning to a state/place.
Why: Choosing the most precise verb improves clarity.
Mistake: Confusing 'tornamos' (present) with 'tornamos' (preterite).
Correct: Context is key; 'Nosotros tornamos a casa' (present) implies habit, while 'Nosotros tornamos el libro ayer' (preterite) is a completed action.
Why: The form is identical, so the surrounding words and situation determine the meaning.
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Related Tenses
Preterite
yo: torné
The preterite of 'tornar' is regular: torné, tornaste, tornó, tornamos, tornasteis, tornaron, used for completed past actions of returning.
Imperfect
yo: tornaba
The imperfect of 'tornar' is regular: tornaba, tornabas, tornaba, tornábamos, tornabais, tornaban, for ongoing or habitual past returning.
Future
yo: tornaré
The future tense of 'tornar' is regular: tornaré, tornarás, tornará, tornaremos, tornaréis, tornarán, for actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: tornaría
The conditional of 'tornar' is regular: tornaría, tornarías, tornaría, tornaríamos, tornaríais, tornarían, for hypothetical 'would' actions.
Present Subjunctive
yo: torne
The present subjunctive of 'tornar' (torne, tornes, tornemos, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: tornara
The imperfect subjunctive of 'tornar' (tornara, tornaras, tornáramos, etc.) is used for past hypothetical situations or polite requests.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: torna
Use the imperative of 'tornar' for direct commands: torna (tú), torne (usted), tornemos (nosotros), tornad (vosotros), tornen (ustedes).
Negative Imperative
yo: no tornes
Negative commands for 'tornar' use 'no' plus the present subjunctive: no tornes (tú), no torne (usted), no tornemos (nosotros), no tornéis (vosotros), no tornen (ustedes).