Turn here
A common alternative, especially for turning a corner on a street. 'Doblar' is used frequently for directions.
A very common, slightly more conversational way to say 'turn here.' The phrase 'dar vuelta' literally means 'to give a turn.'
The formal 'usted' version of 'Gira aquí.' Use this when speaking to someone you don't know, an older person, or in a professional setting.
To go to the supermarket, turn right here.
Mr. taxi driver, please turn here at the next street.
The pharmacy is at the end. Turn here and you'll see it.
Excuse me, can you turn here? My house is the blue one.
'Gira aquí' and 'Doble aquí' are widely understood and used. 'Da vuelta aquí' is also very common in casual conversation.
'Da vuelta aquí' is extremely common, perhaps more so than 'gira aquí' in everyday speech. 'Dobla aquí' is also frequently used.
In addition to 'gira' and 'doble,' the verb 'voltear' is very common for directions. You will often hear 'Voltea aquí'.
Due to 'voseo,' the command form changes. You will hear 'Doblá aquí' (from 'doblar') or 'Girá aquí' (from 'girar'). 'Doblá' is the most frequent.
While 'gira' is understood, they strongly prefer 'dobla aquí' for streets. They also use 'tuerce aquí' (from the verb 'torcer'), which is not common for directions in Latin America. They use 'vosotros' for informal plural commands ('girad', 'doblad').
Usar 'tornar': 'Torna aquí.' — 'Tornar' is a false cognate. It means 'to return' or 'to become,' not 'to turn' a corner. Use 'girar' or 'doblar' instead.
No conjugar el verbo: 'Girar aquí.' — When giving a command, you must use the imperative form ('gira' for informal 'tú', 'gire' for formal 'usted'), not the infinitive ('girar').
Confundir 'aquí' y 'allí': 'Gira allí.' (when the turn is right here) — 'Aquí' means 'here' (close to the speaker). 'Allí' means 'there' (farther away). Using the wrong word will confuse the person receiving directions.
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