Inklingo

How to Say "turning" in Spanish

English → Spanish

girando

hee-RAHN-dohxiˈɾando

verbA2
Use 'girando' when describing the physical act of rotating or changing direction, like a vehicle or a person moving around a point.
A colorful toy spinning top rotating quickly on a wooden floor.

Examples

El coche está girando a la izquierda.

The car is turning left.

Las aspas del molino están girando rápido.

The windmill blades are spinning fast.

Sigue girando el volante hasta que el coche esté recto.

Keep turning the steering wheel until the car is straight.

The 'Doing' Form

Girando is the '-ing' form (gerund) of the verb girar. Use it with the verb 'estar' (to be) to talk about things happening right now.

Using it as a Noun

Mistake: “Saying 'Girando es difícil' for 'Turning is difficult'.”

Correction: Say 'Girar es difícil'. In Spanish, you use the base verb (infinitive) when the action is the subject of the sentence.

volviendo

bol-byén-dobolˈbjendo

verbB1
Use 'volviendo' when something is rotating or changing its orientation, often implying flipping or repositioning an object.
A thick red arrow spinning clockwise on a plain background, representing the concept of turning or rotation.

Examples

El chef está volviendo la carne en la parrilla para que no se queme.

The chef is turning the meat on the grill so it doesn't burn.

Estaba volviendo las páginas de un libro antiguo con cuidado.

I was turning the pages of an old book carefully.

conversión

nounB2formal
Use 'conversión' when referring to a significant change in beliefs, path, or allegiance, such as a religious or ideological shift.

Examples

Su conversión al budismo cambió su forma de ver la vida.

His conversion to Buddhism changed his way of seeing life.

Physical vs. Figurative Turning

Learners often confuse 'girando' and 'volviendo' for physical turning. Remember, 'girando' is about changing direction or rotating in place, while 'volviendo' often implies flipping or repositioning an object, like turning over food on a grill.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.