girar
/hee-RAHR/
to turn
Girar means to spin around an axis, like a spinning top.
girar(Verb)
to turn
?to spin around an axis
,to rotate
?physical movement
to spin
?rapid turning
📝 In Action
La Tierra gira alrededor del Sol.
A1The Earth turns (rotates) around the Sun.
El bailarín giró tres veces antes de caer.
A2The dancer spun three times before falling.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -AR Verb
Girar follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar. Once you learn the endings for 'hablar' or 'cantar,' you know how to conjugate 'girar' in every tense!
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Girar' vs. 'Dar una vuelta'
Use 'girar' for continuous, mechanical, or directional turning. Use 'dar una vuelta' (literally, 'to give a turn') for a quick spin or a short walk.
Girar also means to turn or change direction, often at a corner.
📝 In Action
Tienes que girar a la izquierda en el semáforo.
A2You have to turn left at the traffic light.
El coche giró bruscamente para evitar el perro.
B1The car turned sharply to avoid the dog.
💡 Grammar Points
Directional Use
When giving directions, always use 'a la derecha' (to the right) or 'a la izquierda' (to the left) after 'girar'.
In a financial context, girar means to issue a document, such as issuing a check.
girar(Verb)
to issue
?a financial document like a check
,to transfer
?money, especially internationally
to write
?a money order (girar un giro)
📝 In Action
La empresa debe girar un cheque al proveedor mañana.
B1The company must issue a check to the supplier tomorrow.
¿Puedes girarme 50 euros por Western Union?
B2Can you transfer 50 euros to me via Western Union?
💡 Grammar Points
Specific Noun Requirement
In this context, 'girar' almost always needs a financial object right after it, such as 'un cheque' (a check) or 'un giro' (a money order/transfer).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: girar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'girar' in its financial sense (Definition 3)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'girar' the same as 'volver'?
No. 'Girar' means to turn or rotate, often changing direction or position. 'Volver' means to return (go back to a place) or to turn over/flip something. They are not interchangeable.
How do I say 'to turn around' (as in, turn my whole body)?
You would typically use the reflexive form 'girarse' or, more commonly, 'darse la vuelta' (to give oneself a turn).