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"En torno" is a phrase which is often translated as "around", and "alrededor" is an adverb which is also often translated as "around". Learn more about the difference between "en torno" and "alrededor" below.
en torno(
ehn
tohr
-
noh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. around
El dietista me aconsejó perder en torno a diez libras.The dietitian advised me to lose around ten pounds.
a. around
Los estudiantes de arte se situaron en torno a la escultura para observarla mejor.The art students placed themselves around the sculpture to observe it better.
a. about
La prensa armó mucho revuelo en torno a la estafa perpetrada por la cantante.The press caused a great stir about the fraud committed by the singer.
alrededor(
ahl
-
rreh
-
deh
-
dohr
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Eché un vistazo a mi alrededor para divisar mi paradero.I looked around me to work out my whereabouts.
Mira a tu alrededor; este es uno de los lugares más bonitos de la Tierra.Look around you; this is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
