How to Say "to overturn" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to overturn” is “volcar” — use 'volcar' when something is tipped over or spills, especially with larger objects or vehicles, or when describing a forceful spill.
Use 'volcar' when something is tipped over or spills, especially with larger objects or vehicles, or when describing a forceful spill.
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Use 'voltear' when something is knocked over or flipped, often implying a less forceful action than 'volcar', and commonly used for decisions or lighter objects.
Learn more →bohl-KAHRbolˈkaɾ
Examples
El camión se volcó en la curva.
The truck overturned on the curve.
El fuerte viento volcó las sillas del jardín.
The strong wind tipped over the garden chairs.
Ten cuidado, no vayas a volcar el vaso de agua.
Be careful, don't tip over the glass of water.
El camión volcó en medio de la carretera.
The truck overturned in the middle of the highway.
The Boot Change
This verb is a 'boot verb,' meaning the 'o' changes to 'ue' in all present forms except for 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros).
Spelling Change in the Past
In the 'yo' form of the past (preterite), the 'c' changes to 'qu' (volqué) to keep the hard 'K' sound.
Forgot the Stem Change
Mistake: “Yo volco el vaso.”
Correction: Yo vuelco el vaso. Remember that the 'o' expands to 'ue' when stressed!
bohl-teh-AHRbol.teˈaɾ
Examples
El camarero volteó la mesa sin querer.
The waiter accidentally knocked over the table.
El viento volteó las sombrillas de la playa.
The wind knocked over the beach umbrellas.
Una ola gigante volteó el velero.
A giant wave capsized the sailboat.
Ten cuidado o vas a voltear el vaso.
Be careful or you're going to knock over the glass.
Subject vs. Object
When 'voltear' means 'to knock over,' the subject is the force (like the wind) and the object is the thing that fell.
Volcar vs. Voltear
Learners often confuse 'volcar' and 'voltear'. Remember that 'volcar' is more common for things spilling or tipping over completely, especially larger items, while 'voltear' is often used for simply knocking something over or flipping it.
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