envolver
“envolver” means “to wrap” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to wrap
Also: to gift-wrap
📝 In Action
¿Podría envolver este libro para regalo, por favor?
A2Could you wrap this book as a gift, please?
Tienes que envolver el bocadillo en papel de aluminio.
A2You have to wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil.
Ella envuelve las flores con mucho cuidado.
B1She wraps the flowers very carefully.
to surround, to involve
📝 In Action
Una densa niebla envolvió la ciudad por la mañana.
B2A dense fog enveloped the city in the morning.
No quiero envolver a mi familia en mis problemas de trabajo.
B2I don't want to involve my family in my work problems.
Se vio envuelto en una pelea sin querer.
C1He found himself involved in a fight without wanting to be.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: envolver
Question 1 of 3
Which is the correct way to say 'The gift is wrapped'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'involvere', which means 'to roll into' or 'to roll up'. It is related to the word 'volumen' (volume) because ancient books were rolls of paper.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'envolver' and 'enrollar'?
'Envolver' means to cover something with another material (like wrapping a gift). 'Enrollar' means to roll something into a tube shape (like a poster or a yoga mat).
Is the past tense of 'envolver' irregular?
Actually, no! The preterite (simple past) is regular (envolví, envolviste, envolvió). The irregularity only happens in the present tense and the past participle (envuelto).
How do I ask for gift wrapping in a shop?
You can say: '¿Me lo envuelve para regalo?' or just 'Para regalo, por favor'.