vuelve
“vuelve” means “returns / comes back” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
returns / comes back
Also: goes back
📝 In Action
Mi hermano vuelve a casa a las cinco.
A1My brother comes back home at five.
¿A qué hora vuelve el próximo tren?
A2What time does the next train return?
does (something) again
📝 In Action
Si el video se detiene, vuelve a cargarlo.
A2If the video stops, reload it again.
Ella lee el mensaje y lo vuelve a leer, incrédula.
B1She reads the message and reads it again, in disbelief.
turns / makes
Also: turns (over)
📝 In Action
El estrés lo vuelve irritable.
B1Stress makes him irritable.
El artista vuelve el barro en una hermosa vasija.
B2The artist turns the clay into a beautiful vase.
Él vuelve la página para seguir leyendo.
A2He turns the page to continue reading.
📝 In Action
¡Vuelve aquí ahora mismo!
A2Come back here right now!
Si no funciona, vuelve a intentarlo.
B1If it doesn't work, try it again.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "vuelve" in Spanish:
goes back→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: vuelve
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'He reads the book again'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'volvĕre', which meant 'to turn, to roll, to twist'. The Spanish meaning of 'return' comes from the idea of 'turning back' to where you started.
First recorded: Around the 10th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'vuelve' and 'vuelva'?
They are both forms of 'volver', but used for different people or situations. 'Vuelve' is for 'él/ella/usted' (he/she/you formal) in a statement, OR it's an informal command for 'tú' (Come back!). 'Vuelva' is the present subjunctive form, often used for formal commands (Usted, ¡vuelva mañana! - You, come back tomorrow!).
Why do you say 'vuelve a leer' instead of just 'lee otra vez'?
Both are correct and mean 'reads again'! However, 'vuelve a leer' is often considered to sound a bit more natural and fluid in everyday Spanish. Learning the 'volver a' pattern is a great way to make your Spanish sound more advanced.
Is the past participle 'volvido' or 'vuelto'?
The past participle of 'volver' is irregular: it's 'vuelto'. You'll use it in perfect tenses, like 'Él ha vuelto' (He has returned). Never say 'volvido'.