Inklingo
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revés

/rreh-VES/

wrong side

A square piece of fabric is shown. The main part is a smooth, vibrant blue (the right side), but one corner is folded over to reveal the duller, slightly fuzzy, unfinished reverse side.

Depicting the 'wrong side' or reverse of a material.

revés(noun)

mA2

wrong side

?

of fabric, paper, or an object

,

reverse

?

the opposite surface

Also:

back

?

of a picture or document

📝 In Action

El revés de la tela era áspero y sin color.

B1

The wrong side of the fabric was rough and colorless.

Necesitas escribir tu nombre en el revés de la hoja.

A2

You need to write your name on the back (reverse) of the sheet.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dorso (back/reverse)
  • trasero (back side)

Antonyms

  • anverso (front side)
  • cara (face)

Common Collocations

  • el revés de la moneda – the flip side of the coin

Idioms & Expressions

  • Al revés – Inside out, upside down, backward, or the wrong way.

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Even though this word ends in '-s,' it is a masculine noun, so you must always use 'el' or 'un' before it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'revés' and 'reverso'

Mistake: "Using 'reverso' when you mean 'revés' in the phrase 'al revés'."

Correction: While 'reverso' also means 'reverse,' the common phrase for 'the wrong way' is always 'al revés'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Mastering 'Al revés'

This phrase is used anytime something is oriented the opposite way it should be. If your shirt is inside out, or you read a book backward, use 'al revés'.

A stylized tennis player is shown mid-action, swinging a racket across their body to hit a ball, demonstrating the backhand stroke.

Illustrating the athletic move known as the 'backhand' in sports like tennis.

revés(noun)

mB2

backhand

?

sports (tennis, ping-pong)

📝 In Action

Su revés es mucho más potente que su derecha.

B2

His backhand is much more powerful than his forehand.

Necesito practicar mi golpe de revés.

B2

I need to practice my backhand shot.

Word Connections

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • golpe de revés – backhand shot
A small figure who was happily walking up a hill has suddenly tripped over a small rock and is falling backward down the slope, symbolizing a reversal of fortune.

Representing a 'setback' or reversal of fortune.

revés(noun)

mC1

setback

?

misfortune or reversal of fortune

,

blow

?

a serious disappointment

📝 In Action

La crisis económica fue un duro revés para la compañía.

C1

The economic crisis was a harsh setback for the company.

A pesar de este revés, él siguió luchando por sus sueños.

C1

Despite this misfortune, he kept fighting for his dreams.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: revés

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'revés' in its most common everyday context?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

reversar(to reverse (a car)) - verb
reverso(reverse side) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'inside out' using 'revés'?

You must use the fixed phrase 'al revés'. For example, 'Llevas los calcetines al revés' (You are wearing your socks inside out).

Is 'revés' masculine or feminine?

'Revés' is always a masculine noun ('el revés'), even though it ends in 's.' This is important for matching articles and adjectives.