convertir
/kohn-vehr-teer/
to convert
To convertir can mean to change the form or function of something, like converting wood into a sculpture.
convertir(verb)
to convert
?change form, function, or currency
,to change
?transform something
to transform
?make major changes to something
📝 In Action
Necesitas **convertir** los euros a dólares antes del viaje.
A2You need to **convert** the euros to dollars before the trip.
El mago prometió **convertir** el agua en vino.
B1The magician promised to **convert** the water into wine.
Vamos a **convertir** esta habitación vieja en una oficina.
B1We are going to **convert** this old room into an office.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem Change (e > ie)
In the present tense, the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' (e.g., convierto, conviertes) in all forms except for nosotros and vosotros.
Using 'en'
When you change something into something else, Spanish requires the preposition en (e.g., convertir X en Y).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Preterite Change
Mistake: "Él convertió (incorrect stem)"
Correction: Él convirtió. Remember that the third-person forms of the past tense also change the 'e' to an 'i' (convirtió, convirtieron).
⭐ Usage Tips
Active Action
Use this form when you are actively doing the converting to an object or person.
When describing a transformation, convertir means 'to turn into,' such as when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly.
convertir(verb)
to turn into
?describing a transformation
,to become
?change of state or identity
to be converted
?passive sense
📝 In Action
El pequeño arroyo **se convirtió** en un río caudaloso.
B1The small stream **turned into** a mighty river.
Después de la universidad, **se convirtió** en una escritora famosa.
B2After university, she **became** a famous writer.
Ella **se convirtió** al budismo hace muchos años.
B2She **converted** to Buddhism many years ago.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive 'Se'
When the subject changes itself or transforms, you must use the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se). This is the key difference from the active form.
Required Preposition
When discussing the result of the change (what it turned into), you almost always need the preposition en (e.g., se convirtió EN doctor).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Pronoun
Mistake: "Él convirtió un héroe. (He converted a hero)"
Correction: Él se convirtió en un héroe. (He became a hero). Without the 'se', it means he actively changed someone else.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Identity/State
Use convertirse when the change is fundamental to the subject's identity, religion, or physical state.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: convertir
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the active form of 'convertir'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important rule for conjugating convertir?
The most important rule is the stem change. The 'e' in the middle of the verb changes to 'ie' in the present tense (convierto), and it changes to a simple 'i' in the third-person preterite (convirtió) and throughout the subjunctive forms (convirtamos).
When should I use 'convertir' versus 'hacerse' or 'llegar a ser' to mean 'to become'?
'Convertirse en' often implies a sudden, complete, or dramatic transformation (e.g., turning into a monster or changing religions). 'Hacerse' implies a change achieved through effort or time (e.g., becoming a doctor), and 'llegar a ser' emphasizes the process of achieving a goal (e.g., finally becoming the CEO).