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noun

el turno

shift · turn

Es el momento en que una persona debe hacer algo después de que otros ya lo han hecho.

Definition & meaning

Turno is a masculine noun with several related meanings:

  • Turn: an opportunity or obligation to do something in a particular order.
  • Shift: a scheduled period of work.
  • Round or rotation: a sequence in which people or groups take turns.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Gender: masculine; singular el turno, plural los turnos.
  • It comes from a word for a “turn” or “rotation,” ultimately related to Latin tornus, meaning “lathe.”

Synonyms & antonyms

  • vez — “turn” or “time”; often interchangeable when referring to someone’s opportunity, but not usually a work shift.
  • jornada — a working day or work period; broader than a specific shift.
  • tanda — a round or batch, often emphasizing a group or series rather than an individual’s turn.

There is no general antonym for all meanings of turno. In a work context, descanso means a rest or break, rather than a scheduled shift.

Common phrases & collocations

  • pedir turno — to request an appointment or a place in a queue.
  • esperar el turno — to wait one’s turn.
  • turno de noche — night shift.
  • por turnos — in turns or by shifts.

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Examples

Hoy mi turno termina a las ocho.noun

Today my shift ends at eight.

Mi turno empieza muy temprano.noun

My shift starts very early.

Ya tengo turno con el médico.noun

I already have a turn with the doctor.

Ahora es mi turno de jugar.noun

Now it is my turn to play.

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