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Italian Level 1 verb

tornare

/torˈnaːre/

Definition

To come back or go back to a place, person, or state you were in before.

Example

Mia sorella torna a casa ogni domenica.

Show translation

My sister comes back home every Sunday.

Etymology

From Latin *tornare* ("to turn on a lathe, to turn around"), derived from *tornus* ("lathe"), borrowed from Greek *τόρνος* (tornos). In Vulgar Latin the sense shifted from circular turning to the idea of turning back, giving Italian its modern meaning of "to return."

Cultural note

*Tornare* is deeply embedded in Italian culture. The phrase *tornare a casa* ("to return home") carries strong emotional weight in a country where family ties and the concept of *casa* (home) are central values. You'll also hear *torno subito* ("I'll be right back") on signs outside small shops — a quintessentially Italian promise of a brief absence.

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