volado
/bo-LAH-do/
coin toss
A 'volado' is a coin toss used to make a decision.
volado(noun)
coin toss
?flipping a coin to decide something
heads or tails
?the game of chance itself
📝 In Action
¿Decidimos quién lava los trastes con un volado?
B1Should we decide who does the dishes with a coin toss?
Gané el volado y elegí el lado derecho del campo.
B1I won the toss and chose the right side of the field.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Echar'
To say 'flip a coin,' Spanish speakers usually use the action word 'echar' (to throw/toss) with 'volado'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Mexican Context
If you are in Mexico and need to settle a small disagreement, '¿un volado?' is the most natural way to suggest flipping a coin.
Being 'volado' means someone is distracted or spaced out.
volado(adjective)
spaced out
?distracted or forgetful
conceited
?full of oneself or vain
,flirty
?someone who falls in love too easily
📝 In Action
Perdona, estoy un poco volado hoy; no dormí bien.
B2Sorry, I'm a bit spaced out today; I didn't sleep well.
Ese chico es muy volado, se cree el mejor del mundo.
C1That guy is very conceited; he thinks he's the best in the world.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Person
Since this is a describing word, it changes to 'volada' for women and 'volados/as' for groups.
⭐ Usage Tips
Varying Meanings
Be careful with the context! In Chile, it often means someone is high on drugs, while in Mexico it's more about being vain or distracted.
A 'volado' can refer to a 'thingy' or an object you can't quite name.
📝 In Action
¿Cómo se llama ese volado para abrir las latas?
C1What do you call that thingy for opening cans?
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: volado
Question 1 of 2
If you are in Mexico and want to flip a coin to see who pays, what would you ask for?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'volado' the same as 'vaina'?
In El Salvador and Guatemala, yes! Both words are used as slang for 'thing.' However, in most other countries, 'volado' refers to a coin toss or a distracted person.
Does 'volado' always mean something positive?
Not necessarily. While a 'volado' (coin toss) is neutral, calling someone 'volado' can mean they are scatterbrained or even stuck-up, depending on the country.