Returning People vs. Returning Things

In the present tense, the 'o' in 'volver' changes to 'ue' for most forms (yo, tú, él, ellos). Think of it like a boot shape on the conjugation chart. 'Nosotros' and 'vosotros' are 'outside the boot' and keep the original 'o'.

The 'Boot' Verb Shape Change

When you use 'volver' with helper verbs like 'haber' (to have), it has a special short form: 'vuelto'. For example, 'He vuelto' means 'I have returned'.

Irregular Past Form: 'vuelto'

Both mean 'to return' and are often interchangeable. 'Volver' is generally more common in everyday conversation.

'Volver' vs. 'Regresar'

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

Forgetting the 'a'

To say you're doing something again, Spanish has a special formula: [form of volver] + 'a' + [action verb]. It sounds very natural. For example, 'I see it again' becomes 'Vuelvo a verlo'.

The 'Again' Formula

Using 'volver a...' often sounds more fluid and common in conversation than adding 'otra vez' (again) or 'de nuevo' (anew) to the end of a sentence.

Sound More Natural

This structure ('volver a' + action) is incredibly common for expressing repetition.

'Volverse' vs. 'Ponerse'

When 'volver' is used with 'se' (volverse), it describes a deep, often permanent, and sometimes involuntary change in someone's personality or a thing's state.

Using 'volverse' for Changes

Common in contexts of change or transformation, especially personality.

Learn the complete meaning of the Spanish verb 'volver'. Understand its uses for 'to return', 'to do again' (volver a), and 'to become'. Includes full conjugation tables, examples, and common mistakes.

volver

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations