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turno

TOOR-noh/ˈtuɾ.no/

“turno” means “turn” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

turn

Also: go, queue number
NounmA1
Three simple, brightly colored cartoon figures standing in a straight line, waiting patiently for their turn.

📝 In Action

Por favor, espera tu turno para hablar con el doctor.

A1

Please wait your turn to speak with the doctor.

¡Genial! Ahora es mi turno de lanzar los dados.

A2

Great! Now it's my turn to throw the dice.

Tomé un número y perdí mi turno.

A2

I took a number and missed my turn.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • vez (time, occurrence)
  • cabeza (front (of the line))

Common Collocations

  • pedir el turno – to ask for one's turn
  • perder el turno – to lose one's turn

shift, session

Also: tour of duty, round
NounmB1
Spain
A simple, dark blue factory building shown at night. A single window glows brightly with yellow light, indicating a work shift is currently active.

📝 In Action

Ella prefiere trabajar en el turno de la tarde porque hay menos tráfico.

B1

She prefers to work the afternoon shift because there is less traffic.

Mi universidad ofrece clases en el turno matutino y vespertino.

B1

My university offers classes in the morning session and the evening session.

Tenemos tres turnos: mañana, tarde y noche.

B2

We have three shifts: morning, afternoon, and night.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • jornada (work day)
  • horario (schedule)

Common Collocations

  • turno de noche – night shift
  • turno partido – split shift (lunch break divides the work day)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "turno" in Spanish:

go→queue number→round→session→shift→turn→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: turno

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'turno' to mean a time segment or work period?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
turnar(to take turns) — Verb
turnarse(to rotate duties) — Reflexive verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
diurnonocturno
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *turnus*, which originally referred to a 'lathe' or 'wheel.' This connection to rotation is why the Spanish word is used for sequences (taking turns) and rotating time blocks (shifts).

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: turnoFrench: tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use 'vez' versus 'turno'?

'Turno' refers to a specific spot in a rotation, queue, or schedule (like a time slot or a specific sequence). 'Vez' is more general, meaning 'time' or 'instance' (e.g., '¿Cuántas veces has ido?' - How many times have you gone?).