How to Say "turns" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “turns” is “cumple” — use 'cumple' when referring to someone reaching a specific age, such as a birthday..
cumple
/kúm-ple//ˈkumple/
Examples
Mi hermana cumple 25 años hoy.
My sister turns 25 today.
El próximo mes, mi perro cumple tres.
Next month, my dog turns three.
Dicen que el señor cumple 100 años esta semana.
They say the gentleman turns 100 this week.
Always use 'años'
When talking about age, you must include the word 'años' (years) after the number, unless the context is absolutely clear, as in 'cumple 5 años'.
Saying 'is turning'
Mistake: “Using the continuous form: 'Está cumpliendo 10 años'.”
Correction: While technically possible, Spanish speakers almost always use the simple present: 'Cumple 10 años' (He is turning 10).
vueltas
BWEL-tahs/bwel.tas/
Examples
El atleta dio diez vueltas a la pista para calentar.
The athlete did ten laps around the track to warm up.
La lavadora da muchas vueltas durante el ciclo de secado.
The washing machine takes many turns during the drying cycle.
Always Plural for Laps
When talking about repeating a circuit (laps), use the plural 'vueltas', even if you are just talking about one lap ('una vuelta').
turnos
/TOOR-nohs//ˈtuɾnos/
Examples
Respetamos los turnos en la fila.
We respect the turns in the line.
Es difícil conseguir turnos con ese dentista.
It is difficult to get appointments with that dentist.
Masculine Plural
Since this word ends in '-os,' it is a masculine naming word. Use 'los' or 'estos' when talking about more than one turn.
Turnos vs. Tiempo
Mistake: “Using 'tiempo' to mean it's your turn.”
Correction: Say 'es mi turno' (it is my turn), not 'es mi tiempo'.
convierte
/kon-VYEHR-teh//konˈbjeɾte/
Examples
Esta máquina convierte la luz solar en electricidad.
This machine converts solar light into electricity.
El chef convierte ingredientes simples en platos deliciosos.
The chef turns simple ingredients into delicious dishes.
The 'e to ie' Boot
In the present tense, the 'e' in the verb stem changes to 'ie' for most people (yo, tú, él/ella/usted, ellos/ellas/ustedes). The 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms are the exceptions and stay regular.
Missing the Stem Change
Mistake: “Él converte la moneda.”
Correction: Él convierte la moneda. (Remember that 'e' changes to 'ie'.)
vuelva
/bwel-bah//ˈbwelba/
Examples
Espero que mi hermano vuelva a tiempo para la cena.
I hope my brother comes back in time for dinner.
No creo que la situación vuelva a ser la misma.
I don't think the situation will be the same again.
Quizás vuelva a llover esta tarde.
Maybe it will rain again this afternoon.
The 'Mood' for Wishes & Doubts (Subjunctive)
Vuelva is a special verb form used after phrases that express uncertainty, desire, or emotion, like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'dudo que' (I doubt that). It signals that the action isn't a sure thing.
Using 'Vuelve' Instead of 'Vuelva'
Mistake: “Espero que él vuelve pronto.”
Correction: Say 'Espero que él vuelva pronto.' After 'espero que', you need the special 'vuelva' form, not the regular 'vuelve' form.
Confusing 'Vueltas' and 'Turnos'
Related Translations
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