torno
/TOHR-noh/
lathe
A lathe (torno) is used to shape materials like wood or metal.
torno(noun)
lathe
?a machine for shaping wood or metal
winch
?a hauling or lifting device
,revolving hatch
?a rotating window used in convents or hospitals to pass items without face-to-face contact
📝 In Action
El carpintero usó el torno para fabricar las patas de la mesa.
B2The carpenter used the lathe to make the table legs.
Subieron el cubo del pozo con un torno.
B2They brought the bucket up from the well with a winch.
Antiguamente, se dejaban donaciones en el torno del convento.
C1In the past, donations were left in the convent's revolving hatch.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender of Torno
This word is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Industrial vs. Artistic
While it often refers to a heavy industrial lathe, you will also hear it used for a potter's wheel ('torno de alfarero') in artistic contexts.
The word 'torno' can also refer to the area around or surrounding an object.
torno(noun)
around
?physical surrounding or proximity
about
?concerning a specific topic
,regarding
?in relation to
📝 In Action
Los niños corrían en torno a la fuente.
B1The children were running around the fountain.
La reunión fue en torno a los nuevos presupuestos.
B2The meeting was about the new budgets.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'En torno a'
This is a set phrase. You must include the 'a' if you are mentioning the specific thing you are talking about (e.g., 'en torno a la idea').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Torno vs. Entorno
Mistake: "Using 'en torno' when you mean 'the environment'."
Correction: Use 'el entorno' (one word) for 'the surroundings/environment' and 'en torno a' (two words) for 'around/about'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: torno
Question 1 of 1
Which of these sentences uses 'torno' to mean 'about' or 'concerning'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'torno' the same as 'turno'?
No. 'Torno' refers to a machine (lathe) or the phrase 'around'. 'Turno' refers to your 'turn' in a sequence (like waiting in line).
Is 'torno' a verb?
Technically, 'torno' is also the 'yo' form (first person) of the verb 'tornar' (to return), meaning 'I return'. However, this verb is less common today than 'volver'.