voltare
Lemma: voltare
Translation: to turn; to rotate; to flip; to change direction; to turn over; to turn around (verb)
Etymology: From Latin 'volvitare', a frequentative form of 'volvere' meaning 'to roll, turn around'. This Latin root also gave English words like 'revolve', 'evolution', and 'volume'. The core idea of circular motion or turning is preserved across these cognates. The Italian 'voltare' specifically developed to indicate the action of turning or changing direction.
Example Usage
Volta a destra alla prossima strada.
Turn right at the next street.
Ho voltato pagina dopo quella brutta esperienza.
I turned the page after that bad experience.
Non voltare le spalle ai tuoi amici.
Don't turn your back on your friends.
Volta il libro e guarda la copertina posteriore.
Turn the book over and look at the back cover.
Mnemonics
- Think of a 'volt' in electricity which involves circular motion of electrons.
- Relate to 'revolve' in English - both involve turning.
- Picture a 'vault' in gymnastics, which involves turning the body.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
A very common verb in Italian used both literally for physical turning and metaphorically in many expressions. The related noun 'volta' (time, occasion) is also frequently used in phrases like 'una volta' (once) or 'a volte' (sometimes).
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'voltare' means 'to turn', 'volare' means 'to fly'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Gli uccelli volano nel cielo.
Birds fly in the sky.
Notes: The conjugated forms can also look similar: 'volto' (I turn) vs 'volo' (I fly).
Mnemonic: 'Voltare' has a 't' for 'turn', while 'volare' has no 't' but sounds like 'solar' - things that fly high toward the sun.
Explanation: 'Voltare' means 'to turn' while 'volere' means 'to want'. They share the same first three letters but have different meanings and conjugations.
Confused word:
Voglio un gelato.
I want an ice cream.
Notes: The past participles are quite different: 'voltato' vs 'voluto'.
Mnemonic: 'Volere' contains the letters 'e-r-e' which can remind you of 'desire' - something you want.