torcer
“torcer” means “to twist” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to twist
Also: to bend, to distort
📝 In Action
Ten cuidado de no torcer el cable de la lámpara.
B1Be careful not to twist the lamp's cable.
Él torció la boca con gesto de disgusto.
B2He twisted his mouth with a look of disgust.
El viento torció las ramas del árbol.
B1The wind bent the branches of the tree.
to turn
Also: to veer
📝 In Action
Tienes que torcer a la derecha en la próxima esquina.
A2You have to turn right at the next corner.
El camino tuerce hacia el bosque.
B1The path turns towards the forest.
Tuerza a la izquierda después del semáforo.
A2Turn left after the traffic light.
to sprain / to twist
📝 In Action
Me torcí el tobillo jugando al fútbol.
B1I twisted my ankle playing soccer.
Se torció la muñeca al caerse.
B1She sprained her wrist when she fell.
Es fácil torcerse un dedo con esa pelota.
B2It's easy to sprain a finger with that ball.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: torcer
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I twist' in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'torquere', which means 'to twist'.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'torcer' the same as 'doblar'?
Often, yes. Both can mean 'to bend' or 'to turn.' However, 'torcer' usually implies a twisting motion or something getting out of shape, while 'doblar' can just mean folding or turning a corner.
Why does the 'c' change to 'z'?
In Spanish, 'co' is pronounced like 'ko'. To keep the 's' sound of 'torcer', we have to use 'z' when it's followed by 'o' or 'a', resulting in 'tuerzo' and 'tuerza'.
Can I use 'torcer' for a literal road turn?
Yes, especially in Spain. It is a very common way to give directions.