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revés

rreh-VES/reˈβes/

wrong side, reverse

Also: back
NounmA2
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.

📝 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.

backhand

NounmB2
A stylized tennis player is shown mid-action, swinging a racket across their body to hit a ball, demonstrating the backhand stroke.

📝 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

setback, blow

NounmC1formal
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.

📝 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

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "revés" in Spanish:

backhand→wrong side→

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes▼
cortésdespués
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word 'reversus,' which means 'turned back' or 'reversed.' The concept has always been about the opposite side or direction.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: reversItalian: rovescio

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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.