Spanish Conversation · Level 84
60 words
Spanish word
torbellino
Pronunciation
IPA/toɾβeˈʝino/
Meaning
- masculine nouneddy
Example
En el río se formó un torbellino junto a las rocas.
An eddy formed in the river beside the rocks.
More examples
En otoño la plaza se llenó de un torbellino de hojas.
In autumn the square filled with a whirlwind of leaves.
Core concept
Small fast whirl of water or air around a center.
Common phrases
estar en un torbellino
be in a whirlwind
un torbellino de hojas
a whirlwind of leaves
Similar words
remolino: Small-scale swirling motion on a fluid surface with mild, visible rotation.
vórtice: Strong rotational flow that forms a coherent central vortex with inward pull.
Definition in Spanish
Remolino pequeño y rápido de agua o aire que gira alrededor de un centro; también se usa en sentido figurado para expresar agitación intensa.
Word origin
It derives from Latin turbo 'whirl' with Romance diminutive elements -ell- and -ino, forming a term for a small rapid whirl.
Usage tips
- It is used figuratively in phrases like un torbellino de emociones and estar hecho un torbellino to describe a sudden rush of feelings or intense activity, and the noun is masculine (el torbellino).