volverse
“volverse” means “to become” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to become, to turn
Also: to go
📝 In Action
Después del accidente, se volvió muy callado.
B1After the accident, he became very quiet (reserved).
Con el tiempo, el agua se volvió hielo.
A2Over time, the water turned into ice.
Ella se volvió loca cuando perdió las llaves.
B2She went crazy when she lost the keys.
to turn around, to turn back
Also: to face
📝 In Action
Me volví para ver quién me había llamado.
A2I turned around to see who had called me.
Se volvió hacia la puerta y se fue.
A2He turned toward the door and left.
Por favor, no te vuelvas hasta que cuente tres.
B1Please, don't turn around until I count to three.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
subjunctive
imperfect
present
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: volverse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'volverse' to describe a physical change?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *volvere*, meaning 'to turn, to roll.' When combined with the reflexive pronoun 'se,' the meaning shifts from simply 'to return/roll' to 'to turn oneself' or 'to change oneself' into a new state.
First recorded: 13th century (in the form 'volver')
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
What is the difference between 'volver' and 'volverse'?
'Volver' (without 'se') means 'to return' to a place (e.g., 'Vuelvo a casa' - I return home). 'Volverse' (with 'se') means either 'to turn your body around' or 'to become' something new (a change in character or state).
Is 'volverse' used for professions?
Generally, no. For voluntary changes like professions or achieving something through effort, use 'hacerse' (e.g., 'Se hizo médico' - He became a doctor). 'Volverse' implies a change that happened to you, rather than one you worked toward.