vuelve
/bwel-beh/
returns / comes back
Mi hermano vuelve a casa. (My brother comes back home.)
vuelve(Verb)
returns / comes back
?Used when a person or thing goes back to a place.
goes back
?Describing the action of returning.
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
A Form of the Verb 'Volver'
'Vuelve' comes from the verb 'volver' (to return). It's the form you use for 'he,' 'she,' or 'you (formal).' For example, 'él vuelve' means 'he returns.'
Irregular 'o' to 'ue' Change
Notice how the 'o' in 'volver' changes to 'ue' in 'vuelve'. This happens in several present tense forms (yo vuelvo, tú vuelves), but not all of them (nosotros volvemos).
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Volver' vs. 'Devolver'
Mistake: "Using 'volver' when you mean to return an object. For example, 'Ella vuelve el libro a la biblioteca.'"
Correction: Use 'devolver' for returning items. The correct sentence is 'Ella devuelve el libro a la biblioteca.' Use 'volver' for people returning to a place.
⭐ Usage Tips
Returning 'to' a Place
To say someone returns 'to' a specific place, use the pattern 'volver a' + [the place]. For example, 'vuelve a la oficina' means 'he/she returns to the office'.
Vuelve a intentarlo. (Try it 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Again' Formula: volver a + [action]
Combine 'volver a' with the basic form of any verb (like 'hacer', 'decir', 'ver') to mean 'do that action again'. It's a very common and natural-sounding structure.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Adding 'Otra Vez'
Mistake: "Saying 'vuelve a hacerlo otra vez'."
Correction: This is like saying 'he does it again again'. The phrase 'vuelve a' already includes the meaning of 'again'. Just say 'vuelve a hacerlo'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sound More Fluent
Instead of always relying on 'otra vez' (again), try using this pattern. 'Vuelve a decirlo' sounds a bit more fluid than 'Dilo otra vez' in many situations.
Él vuelve la página. (He turns the page.)
vuelve(Verb)
turns / makes
?To cause a change or transformation in someone or something.
turns (over)
?Physical rotation, like turning a page or one's head.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Causing a Change
You can use 'volver' plus a description (an adjective) to say that something causes a change in someone. For example, 'La noticia lo vuelve feliz' (The news makes him happy).
⭐ Usage Tips
Becoming vs. Making
When someone changes on their own, you often use 'volverse'. 'Él se vuelve más responsable' (He is becoming more responsible). When something else causes the change, you use 'volver'. 'El poder lo vuelve corrupto' (Power makes him corrupt).
¡Vuelve aquí! (Come back here!)
vuelve(Verb (Command))
Come back! / Return!
?An informal command given to one person ('tú').
Do it again!
?When used with 'a' + action, as a command.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Giving Informal Commands
'Vuelve' is how you tell a friend (someone you call 'tú') to 'Come back!'. It's the affirmative imperative form. For example, 'Vuelve pronto' (Come back soon).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Formal vs. Informal Commands
Mistake: "Telling a stranger or your boss, '¡Vuelve!'."
Correction: This is too informal. For someone you call 'usted' (formal you), you must use the form 'vuelva'. For example, 'Señor, vuelva mañana, por favor' (Sir, come back tomorrow, please).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Everything
The word 'vuelve' can mean 'he returns' or be a command 'Come back!'. You'll know which one it is from the context and tone of voice. Exclamation marks are a big clue!
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vuelve
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'He reads the book again'?
📚 More Resources
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'.