Volcar vs Voltear

Question

I know both volcar and voltear can mean "to turn over" or "to knock over." But how would I say, "She mistakenly knocked over the box"?

• "Sin querer, ella volteó la caja"?
• "Sin querer, ella volcó la caja"?

Which sounds better?

Answer 1

I am not a native speaker but I get the sense that at least here in Baja "volcar" is used for things that just happen, ie accidents etc. While "voltear" is used for more intentional things. Turning something over, turning around to answer someone or to look at something.

Just my take on it.

Answer 2

I think for most Spanish speakers "volcar" is the most commonly used verb in this sense.

Voltear has the sense of also "spinning" something around.

;) - gringojrf, Apr 16, 2016