What is the difference between "deshacer", "desenvolver", "revertir" in Spanish?

The English verb 'to undo' has several Spanish translations, each suited to a different context. Choosing the right one depends on whether you're reversing a wrapping action, a physical task, or a decision.

How to Say "to undo" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to undo” is “deshacer” — use this when reversing a physical action, like unpacking luggage or unmaking a bed.

deshacer🔊A2

Use this when reversing a physical action, like unpacking luggage or unmaking a bed.

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desenvolver🔊A2

Choose this word specifically for the action of unwrapping something, like a gift or a package.

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revertir🔊B2

This is used for more abstract concepts, like reversing a decision, a trend, or damage.

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English → Spanish

deshacer

des-ah-SEHRdesaˈθeɾ

verbA2

Use this when reversing a physical action, like unpacking luggage or unmaking a bed.

A hand pulling a single thread to unravel a knitted scarf.

Examples

Tengo que deshacer la maleta después del viaje.

I have to unpack the suitcase after the trip.

No puedo deshacer este nudo.

I can't undo this knot.

The 'Hacer' Connection

This word works exactly like 'hacer'. If you know 'yo hago', then you know 'yo deshago'. If you know 'él hizo', you know 'él deshizo'.

Watch the 'I' in the Past

Mistake: “Yo deshací.”

Correction: Say 'Yo deshice'. Like the word 'hacer', the past tense forms use an 'i' instead of an 'a'.

See full entry for “deshacer” →

desenvolver

deh-sen-bol-BEHRdesenβolˈbeɾ

verbA2

Choose this word specifically for the action of unwrapping something, like a gift or a package.

Hands carefully peeling back bright blue wrapping paper from a square gift box.

Examples

Me encanta desenvolver los regalos de Navidad.

I love unwrapping Christmas presents.

Tienes que desenvolver el paquete con cuidado.

You have to unwrap the package carefully.

Ella desenvuelve el caramelo lentamente.

She unwraps the candy slowly.

The Stem Change

This verb follows the 'o to ue' pattern. When you emphasize the root, the 'o' changes to 'ue' (e.g., desenvuelvo), except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms.

Irregular Past Form

The 'done' form (past participle) is irregular. Instead of 'desenvolvido', you must use 'desenvuelto'.

Using the wrong 'done' form

Mistake: “He desenvolvvido el regalo.”

Correction: He desenvuelto el regalo. This verb is an exception to the normal -ido rule.

See full entry for “desenvolver” →

revertir

reh-behr-TEERreβerˈtiɾ

verbB2formal

This is used for more abstract concepts, like reversing a decision, a trend, or damage.

A wilted plant in a pot beginning to turn green and stand upright again as water drops fall on it.

Examples

El gobierno quiere revertir la tendencia económica actual.

The government wants to reverse the current economic trend.

Es posible revertir los daños si actuamos ahora.

It is possible to undo the damage if we act now.

El médico logró revertir los efectos del veneno.

The doctor managed to reverse the effects of the poison.

The 'E to IE' Swap

This is a 'boot verb.' The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present tense forms, like 'yo revierto,' but stays normal in the 'we' (nosotros) form.

Past Tense Surprise

In the past (preterite), the 'e' changes to an 'i' but only for the 'he/she' and 'they' forms: 'revirtió' and 'revirtieron'.

The Spelling Slip-up

Mistake: “Yo reverto la decisión.”

Correction: Yo revierto la decisión. (Remember the 'e' needs to expand into 'ie' when you say it!)

See full entry for “revertir” →

Deshacer vs. Desenvolver

Learners often confuse 'deshacer' and 'desenvolver'. Remember, 'desenvolver' is almost always about unwrapping something tangible (like a present), while 'deshacer' is for undoing a completed action or task, like unpacking.

Related Translations

to unpack→to develop→to dissolve→to melt→to reverse→to unfold→to untie→to unwrap→

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