voltear
“voltear” means “to turn over” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to turn over, to flipAlso: to turn inside out
📝 In Action
Voltea la carne antes de que se queme.
A1Turn the meat over before it burns.
Tienes que voltear el colchón cada seis meses.
A2You have to flip the mattress every six months.
Si volteas la almohada, estará más fría.
B1If you flip the pillow over, it will be cooler.
Word Connections
to turn aroundAlso: to look back
📝 In Action
Ella volteó para despedirse.
A2She turned around to say goodbye.
No voltees, alguien nos está mirando.
B1Don't look back, someone is watching us.
Volteó la cabeza cuando escuchó el ruido.
B1He turned his head when he heard the noise.
Word Connections
to knock over, to capsizeAlso: to overturn
📝 In Action
El viento volteó las sombrillas de la playa.
B1The wind knocked over the beach umbrellas.
Una ola gigante volteó el velero.
B2A giant wave capsized the sailboat.
Ten cuidado o vas a voltear el vaso.
A2Be careful or you're going to knock over the glass.
Word Connections
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "voltear" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: voltear
Question 1 of 3
If you are cooking an omelet and it's done on one side, what do you do?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
From the Latin word 'voltare', which is a variation of 'volvere', meaning to roll, twist, or turn.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'voltear' different from 'doblar'?
Yes! 'Voltear' means to flip or turn around. 'Doblar' means to fold (like paper) or to turn a corner while driving.
Can I use 'voltear' in Spain?
Yes, it is understood, but Spaniards often prefer 'dar la vuelta' for turning around or 'volcar' for knocking something over.
Does it mean 'to return'?
No. That is 'volver'. They sound similar but have very different meanings!