En torno a

[poli]

Does this have the same meaning as sobre when sobre means about? Is it generally understood?

[JPablo]

Yes, but I think it sounds a little bit more "highbrow".

There is a great book by Valentín García Yebra: "En torno a la traducción", that is really good in regards to the art and science of Translations...

I believe it is generally understood.

[Tomisimo]

en torno a

with reference to
in reference to
regarding

[RobertoMadrid]

Does this have the same meaning as sobre when sobre means about? Is it generally understood?

¡Hola, Poli!

“En torno a” has two meanings.

1 - You can translate it into English as “around” or “approximately”. I.e: “El sospechoso era un hombre en torno a los treinta años de edad”; -“around” (both in the physical and figurative sense). I.e.: “Los seguidores se reunieron en torno al líder”-

2 – As you point out, you can also translate it as “about” or “in relation to”. It has the same meaning as “a cerca de”. I.e.: “El candidato hizo un discurso en torno a los temas que más preocupaban a los electores”.

It is perfectly understood and of very common use.

I hope that answers your doubt.

¡Abrazo!

[poli]

This is very good to know. Thanks to all three of you for your responses.
I always use más o menos and sobre. Now I will incorporate en torno a in conversation to vary my vocabulary.