noun

la vuelta

turn · lap · around · walk · return

Es el acto de ir en círculo o regresar al punto de inicio después de moverse en una dirección.

Definition & meaning

Vuelta is a feminine Spanish noun with several related meanings:

Return or coming back
It can mean a return to a place or situation.
- La vuelta a casa means “the return home.”
- Estoy de vuelta means “I am back.”
Turn or rotation
It refers to a movement around an axis or a change in direction.
- Dar una vuelta can mean “to turn,” “to take a walk,” or “to go for a ride,” depending on context.
Round or lap
In a race or circuit, vuelta means a lap or round.
- Una vuelta al circuito means “one lap around the circuit.”
Twist, fold, or winding movement
It can describe something that has been twisted, wrapped, or folded.
- Una vuelta de cuerda means “a turn or loop of rope.”
Change or reversal
In expressions such as dar la vuelta a algo, it can mean to turn something around, reverse it, or look at it from another perspective.

Grammar & Word origin

Vuelta is a feminine noun: la vuelta, las vueltas.

It is related to the verb volver , meaning “to return” or “to turn back.” The form shows the irregular stem alternation volv- / vuelv-, as in vuelvo (“I return”) and vuelta (“return” or “turn”). Historically, it comes from Latin voluta, related to the idea of rolling or turning.

The plural is vueltas .

Synonyms & antonyms

The appropriate synonym depends on the meaning:

Regreso : “return.” It is more formal or direct than vuelta when referring specifically to coming back.
Retorno : “return” or “retaking a route.” It is generally more formal and less conversational.
Giro : “turn” or “rotation.” It focuses more on a change of direction or movement than vuelta.
Ronda : “round” or “lap.” It is common for rounds in competitions, visits, or patrols.
Paseo : “walk” or “outing.” In dar una vuelta, it can describe a casual outing, whereas paseo emphasizes the walk or leisure activity.

Possible antonyms also depend on the meaning:

Ida : “outward journey” or “going.” It contrasts with vuelta when describing a trip there and back.
Avance : “advance” or “moving forward.” It can contrast with vuelta when the latter means turning back or returning.
Recto : “straight.” It can contrast with vuelta when vuelta refers to a bend or change of direction.

Common phrases & collocations

Dar una vuelta : to take a walk, go for a ride, or make a turn.
Darse la vuelta : to turn around or turn one’s back.
Estar de vuelta : to be back.
Volver de vuelta : to return back; often redundant in careful usage, since volver already means “to return.”
A la vuelta de la esquina : just around the corner; also used figuratively for something that is very near or imminent.
Dar la vuelta a algo : to turn something over, reverse it, or reinterpret it.
Vuelta de tuerca : a twist or an additional complication, especially in a story or situation.
Vuelta atrás : going back or reversal.
De ida y vuelta : round-trip; literally, “going and returning.”