vuelta
“vuelta” means “turn” in Spanish. It has 5 different meanings depending on context:
turn, lap
Also: spin, revolution
📝 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.
walk, stroll
Also: ride, trip
📝 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?
return
Also: way 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.
change
📝 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.
round
Also: turn
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'volver' (to return, to turn), which itself originates from the Latin word 'volvĕre', meaning 'to roll' or 'to turn around'. 'Vuelta' is the noun form, describing the action of turning or returning.
First recorded: Around the 12th 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
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'.