turn around

Dictionary

turn around(

)

An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g. Everybody please stand up.).

intransitive verb phrase

1. (to reverse)

a. darse vuelta

Don't turn around, okay? Your ex is right behind us in line.No des vuelta, ¿okey? Tu ex está justo detrás de nosotros en la fila.

I called out to my friend several times, but she didn't turn around.Grité el nombre de mi amiga varias veces, pero no se dio vuelta.

b. darse la vuelta

The bandit turned around and shot the sheriff.El bandido se dio la vuelta y le disparó al comisario.

c. voltearse

All of a sudden, Bill turned around and kissed Marion.De repente, Bill se volteó y le dio un beso a Marion.

2. (to reverse a decision)

a. cambiar de opinión

She told us we would have a parking spot, and then she turned around and told us we couldn't.Nos había dicho que tendríamos un lugar para estacionarnos, y luego cambió de opinión y nos dijo que no.

This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.

no direct translation

So the salesman tells me the car will cost five thousand, and then he turns around and says it'll be eight!Entonces el dependiente me dice que el carro costará cinco mil, ¡y luego me sale con que ocho!

A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g. Take out the trash.).

transitive verb phrase

3. (to transform)

a. cambiar

I hope the new job will turn our situation around. I can't deal with this any longer.Espero que el nuevo trabajo cambie nuestra situación. Ya no puedo más con esto.

b. dar un vuelco

My cousin went through a rough patch, but he's turned his life around.Mi primo pasó una mala racha, pero le ha dado un vuelco a su vida.

4. (to rotate)

a. darle la vuelta a

I turned the clock around to see the time.Le di la vuelta al reloj para ver la hora.

Examples