volviste
/vol-VEES-teh/
you returned
This image shows someone who returned to a place.
volviste(verb)
you returned
?to a place (simple past)
,you came back
?to a person or location (simple past)
you went back
?referring to a previous location
📝 In Action
¿A qué hora volviste del trabajo ayer?
A1What time did you return from work yesterday?
Pensé que no me querías ver, pero volviste a buscarme.
A2I thought you didn't want to see me, but you came back to look for me.
Volviste justo a tiempo para la cena.
A1You returned just in time for dinner.
💡 Grammar Points
The Simple Past (Preterite)
'Volviste' tells us that the action of returning happened and finished at a specific point in the past. It's a completed action.
The 'Tú' Form
This form is used when talking directly to one friend, family member, child, or peer. It's the informal way of saying 'you.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Simple Past Tenses
Mistake: "Usando 'volvías' (imperfect) en lugar de 'volviste' (preterite)."
Correction: 'Volviste' is for a single, completed return ('You came back at 5 PM'). 'Volvías' is for continuous or habitual returns in the past ('You used to come back late').
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'A' Rule
When using 'volver' to talk about returning to a place, you almost always use the preposition 'a': 'Volviste a la tienda' (You returned to the store).
This image illustrates the action of someone who turned to change direction.
volviste(verb)
you turned
?to change direction
,you flipped
?to turn something over (e.g., a pancake)
you rotated
?to spin around
📝 In Action
Cuando te llamé, volviste la cabeza rápidamente.
B1When I called you, you turned your head quickly.
Volviste la tortilla antes de que se quemara.
B2You flipped the omelet before it burned.
Volviste hacia el norte en la siguiente calle.
B1You turned north on the next street.
💡 Grammar Points
Physical Action
In this sense, 'volver' describes a physical rotation or movement. It often needs a direct object (like 'la cabeza' or 'la tortilla')—the thing that is being turned.
⭐ Usage Tips
Turning Around
To specifically mean 'to turn your whole body around,' Spanish speakers often use the phrase 'dar la vuelta' or the reflexive verb 'volverse': 'Te diste la vuelta' (You turned around).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: volviste
Question 1 of 2
Which English sentence correctly translates the meaning of 'volviste' in the phrase: 'Volviste al teatro después de la pausa.'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'volviste' regular or irregular?
The infinitive *volver* is irregular in the present tense (o changes to ue, like 'vuelvo'). However, 'volviste' is part of the simple past tense (preterite), which is completely regular for *volver*, following the standard '-er' verb pattern.
How do I say 'you returned' formally?
If you are speaking to someone formally (using 'usted'), you would say 'volvió,' which is the third-person singular form.