girar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /xiˈɾaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To turn
• To spin
• To rotate
• To invoice (in a financial context)
• To issue (as in bills or checks)

Meaning and Usage

The verb "girar" primarily means to turn or rotate something around an axis. It can also refer to the act of issuing a bill or a check in economic contexts. In general usage, it is frequently used both in oral and written forms, although it might be more prominent in written contexts due to its technical connotations in commerce and law.

Frequency of Use: Commonly used in everyday Spanish, with particular prevalence in conversations related to movement, commerce, and financial transactions.

Example Sentences

1. Ella giró la llave para abrir la puerta.

2. She turned the key to open the door.

3. El contador necesita girar la factura antes del fin de mes.

4. The accountant needs to issue the invoice before the end of the month.

5. Girar a la derecha en la próxima esquina.

6. Turn right at the next corner.

Idiomatic Expressions

The verb "girar" is used in several idiomatic expressions, especially in Mexican Spanish, given its importance in both daily communication and commerce.

1. Girar en torno a algo
2. To revolve around something.
3. Las discusiones giraron en torno a los problemas económicos.

4. The discussions revolved around economic problems.

5. Girar en el aire

6. To spin in the air.
7. El atleta giró en el aire antes de aterrizar.

8. The athlete spun in the air before landing.

9. Girar la tortilla

10. To flip the tortilla. (used metaphorically to signify changing a situation).
11. A veces, es necesario girar la tortilla para mejorar las circunstancias.

12. Sometimes, it is necessary to flip the tortilla to improve circumstances.

13. Girar como un trompo

14. To spin like a top.
15. El niño giró como un trompo en el parque.
16. The child spun like a top in the park.

Etymology

The term "girar" comes from the Latin word "gyrāre," which means "to turn" or "to rotate." The evolution of the word reflects its consistent association with motion and rotation.

Synonyms

• Rotar (to rotate)
• Voltear (to turn over)
• Revolotear (to flutter or flit)

Antonyms

• Detener (to stop)
• Estacionar (to park)

This comprehensive overview of the word "girar" includes its usage in various contexts, idiomatic expressions, synonyms, antonyms, and its etymology. The versatility of the verb makes it a fundamental part of the Spanish language, used across different domains such as general daily conversations, commerce, and law.