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

Part of Speech

tornar - verb

Phonetic Transcription

/torˈnaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to turn
• to become
• to change
• to revert

Meaning and Usage

The verb tornar is primarily used in Spanish to indicate the action of turning something over or causing it to change in position or condition. It can also imply the transformation or change of state in a more figurative sense, such as turning from one emotion or state to another.

Frequency of Use

Tornar is a moderately used verb and is more frequently encountered in written contexts, especially in literature and formal writing. In oral speech, tornar may sometimes be replaced by more common synonyms like volver (to return) or cambiar (to change), making its occurrence less frequent.

Example Sentences

1. El viento comenzó a tornar la dirección y trajo lluvia.

2. The wind began to change direction and brought rain.

3. Con el tiempo, las cosas tienden a tornar más claras.

4. Over time, things tend to become clearer.

5. Si no tomas decisiones, la situación puede tornar complicada.

6. If you don't make decisions, the situation might become complicated.

Idiomatic Expressions

Tornar is related to a few idiomatic expressions in Spanish that emphasize the idea of change or transformation:

1. Tornar la hoja
2. Literal Translation: To turn the page
3. Meaning: To change the situation or start anew.

4. Example: Después de muchos problemas, decidieron tornar la hoja y comenzar de nuevo.

   • After many problems, they decided to turn the page and start anew.

5. Tornar en realidad

6. Literal Translation: To turn into reality
7. Meaning: To make something real that was once just a thought or idea.

8. Example: Sus sueños de ser artista finalmente tornaron en realidad.

   • Her dreams of becoming an artist finally turned into reality.

9. Tornar las tornas

10. Literal Translation: To turn the tables
11. Meaning: To change a situation to one’s advantage, especially after being at a disadvantage.
12. Example: Con una buena estrategia, lograron tornar las tornas a su favor.
    • With a good strategy, they managed to turn the tables in their favor.

Etymology

The word tornar originates from the Latin verb tornare, which means "to turn" or "to rotate." It is related to the Latin noun tornus, meaning "a lathe" (a tool for turning). The evolution of the word in the Spanish language maintains the essential meaning of turning or changing.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Volver - to return
• Cambiar - to change
• Rotar - to rotate

Antonyms

• Detener - to stop
• Permanecer - to remain
• Establecer - to establish

By understanding the nuances of tornar, one can appreciate its versatility in both literal and figurative contexts within the Spanish language.