Spanish Conversation · Level 140
44 words
Spanish word
rotar
Pronunciation
IPA/roˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbspin
Example
El ventilador rota rápidamente.
The fan spins quickly.
More examples
La pantalla del móvil se rota cuando giras el dispositivo.
The phone's screen rotates when you turn the device.
Core concept
Object or shaft spinning on its axis.
Common phrases
rotar la pantalla
rotate the screen
Similar words
girar: Turn around a central point or axis in everyday, simple movements.
voltear: Flip an object over so its other side faces up.
rodar: Roll along a surface while rotating, moving forward across the ground.
dar la vuelta: Complete a full turn to change direction or face the opposite way.
Definition in Spanish
Moverse o hacer mover algo alrededor de un eje; también alternarse por turnos en una función o puesto.
Word origin
From Latin rotare, related to rota 'wheel', originally meaning to make a wheel spin and later applied figuratively to alternating positions or functions.
Usage tips
- Although rotar is a cognate of English rotate, speakers normally use girar for simple turns and reserve rotar for scheduled, technical, or institutional rotations.