vuelto
“vuelto” means “returned” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
returned
📝 In Action
Mi hermano todavía no ha vuelto a casa.
A2My brother hasn't returned home yet.
¿Has vuelto a leer ese libro?
B1Have you read that book again?
Cuando llegué, ellos ya habían vuelto del viaje.
B2When I arrived, they had already returned from the trip.
change
📝 In Action
Pagué con un billete de veinte y me dieron el vuelto.
A2I paid with a twenty-dollar bill and they gave me the change.
Quédese con el vuelto.
B1Keep the change.
Disculpe, creo que me dio mal el vuelto.
B1Excuse me, I think you gave me the wrong change.
turned
Also: made, driven (crazy)
📝 In Action
El niño se quedó vuelto hacia la ventana, esperando a su mamá.
B2The boy remained turned toward the window, waiting for his mom.
Después del accidente, se ha vuelto una persona más cautelosa.
B2After the accident, he has become a more cautious person.
Este ruido constante me tiene vuelto loco.
B1This constant noise is driving me crazy.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: vuelto
Question 1 of 1
In the sentence 'Aquí tiene su vuelto', what does 'vuelto' mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'volūtus', which was the past participle of the verb 'volvĕre', meaning 'to turn, to roll, or to twist'. This core idea of turning or coming back is present in all of its modern Spanish meanings.
First recorded: 10th 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's the difference between 'vuelto' and 'cambio'?
They can both mean 'change' (money), but it often depends on where you are. In most of Latin America, 'vuelto' is the go-to word. In Spain, 'cambio' is much more common. 'Cambio' can also mean 'exchange' or a general 'change' of any kind, while 'vuelto' is almost exclusively for money returned after a purchase.
Why isn't it 'volvido'?
Because 'volver' is an irregular verb! Many common Spanish verbs have special, shortened past participles that don't follow the regular '-ado' or '-ido' pattern. You just have to memorize them, and 'vuelto' is one of the most important ones, along with 'hecho' (from hacer) and 'dicho' (from decir).