Inklingo

How to Say "spin" in Spanish

English → Spanish

giro

HEE-rohˈxi.ɾo

nounA2general
Use 'giro' when referring to a turn or rotation, especially when changing direction, like making a turn while driving or a twist of an object.
A winding, paved path making a sharp 90-degree turn to the right through a bright green field.

Examples

Tienes que dar un giro a la derecha en la esquina.

You have to make a turn to the right at the corner.

El patinador hizo un giro perfecto sobre el hielo.

The skater made a perfect spin on the ice.

Using 'vuelta' and 'giro'

Mistake: “Using 'vuelta' when referring to a specific directional turn (like driving).”

Correction: 'Giro' is better for specific directional turns (left/right). 'Vuelta' often means a lap, a round trip, or a full circle.

vuelta

bwel-taˈbwelta

nounA2general
Use 'vuelta' for a complete turn or rotation, often implying a full circle or a rapid, sometimes uncontrolled, spin.
A colorful wooden spinning top actively rotating on a flat surface, illustrating a turn or rotation.

Examples

El coche dio una vuelta completa y se detuvo.

The car made a full turn and stopped.

El corredor va por su última vuelta.

The runner is on his last lap.

rotación

nounB1general
Use 'rotación' for the continuous movement of an object around a central point or axis, like planetary motion or mechanical rotation.

Examples

La rotación de la Tierra causa el día y la noche.

The Earth's rotation causes day and night.

Giro vs. Vuelta vs. Rotación

Learners often confuse 'giro' and 'vuelta' because both can mean 'turn.' Remember that 'giro' is typically for a directional change or a twist, while 'vuelta' often implies a complete or rapid spin. 'Rotación' is reserved for continuous circular movement around an axis.

Related Translations

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