vuelta
/bwel-ta/
turn
Visualizing 'vuelta' as a physical turn or rotation.
vuelta(Noun)
turn
?rotation, spin
,lap
?around a track or circuit
spin
?a quick rotation
,revolution
?a complete turn, like a record
📝 In Action
El coche dio una vuelta completa y se detuvo.
A2The car made a full turn and stopped.
El corredor va por su última vuelta.
B1The runner is on his last lap.
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical Movement
This is the most direct meaning of 'vuelta'. Think of anything that turns or goes in a circle, like a wheel, a dancer spinning, or a car turning a corner.
Visualizing 'vuelta' as a casual walk or stroll (often used in the phrase 'dar una vuelta').
vuelta(Noun)
walk
?a short stroll for pleasure
,stroll
?a leisurely walk
ride
?a short trip in a car or on a bike
,trip
?a short journey or outing
📝 In Action
Vamos a dar una vuelta por el parque.
A2Let's go for a walk in the park.
Dimos una vuelta en coche por la costa.
B1We went for a drive along the coast.
¿Quieres dar una vuelta en mi bici nueva?
B1Do you want to go for a ride on my new bike?
💡 Grammar Points
The Super-Phrase: 'dar una vuelta'
The phrase 'dar una vuelta' is your best friend for suggesting a casual outing. It's less formal than 'ir a caminar' (to go walking) and works for walking, driving, biking, and more.
Visualizing 'vuelta' as the return journey (the trip back).
📝 In Action
Prefiero comprar un billete de ida y vuelta.
A2I prefer to buy a round-trip ticket.
La vuelta a casa fue más tranquila.
B1The return home was calmer.
Te llamo a la vuelta de mis vacaciones.
B2I'll call you on my return from vacation.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Opposite of 'Ida'
Think of 'ida' as the journey out and 'vuelta' as the journey back. This pair is essential for travel vocabulary.
Visualizing 'vuelta' as the monetary change received after a purchase.
📝 In Action
Pagué con un billete de 20 y todavía espero la vuelta.
B1I paid with a 20 bill and I'm still waiting for the change.
Aquí tiene su vuelta, señor.
B1Here is your change, sir.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Cambio' vs. 'Vuelta'
Mistake: "Asking for 'vuelta' when you mean small coins in general."
Correction: Use 'vuelta' for the specific money you get back after paying. Use 'cambio' or 'suelto' to ask if someone has small bills or coins in general (e.g., '¿Tienes cambio de 10 euros?').
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are in a store and just paid for something, 'vuelta' will always be understood as the money you're owed back.
Visualizing 'vuelta' as a round or stage in a competition or game sequence.
📝 In Action
Pasamos a la segunda vuelta de las elecciones.
B2We moved on to the second round of the elections.
En la próxima vuelta, te toca a ti lanzar los dados.
B1In the next turn, it's your turn to throw the dice.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Vuelta' with 'Vez'
Mistake: "Using 'vuelta' to mean 'time' or 'occasion'."
Correction: 'Vez' means a specific instance (e.g., 'una vez' - one time). 'Vuelta' as a 'turn' or 'round' refers to a cycle or a part of a sequence, like in a game or election.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vuelta
Question 1 of 2
If you ask a friend, '¿Vamos a dar una vuelta?', what are you suggesting?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'vuelta' and 'vez'?
It's a common point of confusion! 'Vuelta' usually refers to something physical: a turn, a lap, a walk, or a return trip. 'Vez' refers to a time or an occasion, like 'una vez' (one time) or 'otra vez' (again). While both can sometimes be translated as 'turn' in English (e.g., 'It's my turn'), 'vuelta' is more for a cycle in a game, while 'turno' is more common for waiting in line.
Is 'vuelta' related to the verb 'volver'?
Yes, absolutely! 'Vuelta' is the noun that comes from the verb 'volver' (to return). Think of 'volver' as the action of returning, and 'vuelta' as the return trip itself. 'Vuelto' is the past participle form: 'He vuelto' means 'I have returned'.