Inklingo

How to Say "bend" in Spanish

English → Spanish

curva

KOOR-vahˈkuɾ.βa

nounA1general
Use 'curva' for a general turn in a road or river, especially when emphasizing the shape or the act of turning.
A winding, smooth S-shaped path made of dirt crossing a grassy field.

Examples

Tuvimos que reducir la velocidad por la curva peligrosa.

We had to slow down because of the dangerous curve.

Dibuja una curva suave que conecte los dos puntos.

Draw a smooth curve connecting the two points.

El río tiene muchas curvas antes de llegar al mar.

The river has many bends before reaching the sea.

Gender Check

Remember that 'curva' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (la curva, una curva peligrosa).

codo

KOH-dohˈkoðo

nounA1general
While 'codo' can mean 'elbow', it is also used for a sharp bend or turn in a road or river, similar to 'curva'.
A close-up of a person's bent arm showing the elbow area.

Examples

Me duele el codo después de jugar al tenis.

My elbow hurts after playing tennis.

Apoyó los codos en la mesa mientras comía.

He rested his elbows on the table while eating.

Using 'el' with body parts

In Spanish, we use 'the' (el/la) instead of 'my' or 'your' when talking about body parts. Say 'me duele el codo' (the elbow hurts me) rather than 'mi codo'.

Codo vs. Cubito

Mistake: “Using 'cubito' for the joint.”

Correction: Use 'codo' for the joint itself. 'Cúbito' is the technical name for one of the bones in the forearm.

revuelta

rreh-vwehl-tahreˈβwelta

nounB1general
Use 'revuelta' specifically for a curve or bend in a road or path, often implying a more winding or less sharp turn than 'curva'.
A winding road curving sharply through a green grassy hill.

Examples

A la revuelta del camino verás la casa.

At the bend in the road, you will see the house.

Esta carretera tiene demasiadas revueltas.

This highway has too many turns.

Cuidado en la próxima revuelta, es muy cerrada.

Be careful at the next turn; it's very sharp.

Describing paths

When used for roads, it often implies a turn that is somewhat hidden or winds back on itself.

Revuelta vs. Vuelta

Mistake: “Saying 'dar una revuelta' to mean 'going for a walk'.”

Correction: Say 'dar una vuelta' for a walk. A 'revuelta' is the physical shape of the curve.

Confusing 'curva' and 'codo'

Learners often get confused between 'curva' and 'codo' when referring to road or river bends. While both are common, 'curva' is generally more frequent and neutral for a turn, whereas 'codo' can also specifically mean 'elbow', so context is key.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.