Spanish Phrase
Está a la vuelta de la esquina.
Meaning
Literally, “It is at the turn of the corner,” which in everyday Spanish means “It’s around the corner” or “It’s just a short walk away." The phrase conveys a very close proximity, often used when giving directions or describing the location of a place.
When to use
Use this expression when you want to tell someone that a place, shop, or person is very close – typically within a few steps. It’s common in casual conversation, street directions, and when you’re meeting someone nearby.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Estáalavueltadelaesquina
Estar (location)
Use estar, not ser, to talk about where something is located.
a la vuelta de
An idiomatic prepositional phrase meaning “around” or “just a short distance from.”
de la esquina
Literal “of the corner”; together with “vuelta” it forms the fixed expression “a la vuelta de la esquina.”
🗨In Conversation
¿Dónde está la cafetería?
Where is the café?
Está a la vuelta de la esquina.
It’s around the corner.
✕Common Mistakes
Es a la vuelta de la esquina.
Use estar (está) for location, not ser (es).
Está en la vuelta de la esquina.
The correct preposition is a, not en.
Está a la vuelta de esquina.
The article la before esquina is required.
↔Alternatives
Está cerca.
It’s nearby.
Está justo al lado.
It’s right next to it.
Está a un paso de aquí.
It’s a step away from here.
Cultural Tip
The phrase is widely used across Spain and Latin America. While “vuelta” literally means “turn,” in this idiom it signals a short distance. In some regions you might hear “a la vuelta de la esquina” shortened to “a la vuelta” in informal speech. Remember that it’s a colloquial expression, so it fits best in casual conversation rather than formal writing.