convertirse
/con-ver-TIR-se/
to become
When used to mean "to become," convertirse describes a change of state or identity, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
convertirse(verb)
to become
?change of state or identity
,to turn into
?transformation
to grow into
?slow change
📝 In Action
Después de la universidad, se convirtió en profesora de historia.
A2After university, she became a history teacher.
El pequeño arroyo se convirtió en un río caudaloso tras la tormenta.
B1The small stream turned into a mighty river after the storm.
Mi sueño es convertirme en astronauta algún día.
B1My dream is to become an astronaut someday.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Needs 'en'
When using 'convertirse' to say what someone or something changed into, you must use the little word 'en' right after it: 'Se convirtió en médico' (He became a doctor).
Reflexive Action
Since this is a reflexive verb, the action returns to the subject. The person changes themselves, which is why you need the reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, etc.).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'convertirse' with 'ser'
Mistake: "Él se convierte doctor."
Correction: Él se convierte en doctor. (You need 'en' to introduce the new identity.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Permanent Change
Use 'convertirse' for major, often long-lasting changes in identity, career, or nature, contrasting with temporary mood changes (use 'ponerse').
Convertirse can mean "to convert" when referring to adopting a new religion or belief system.
convertirse(verb)
to convert
?religion or belief system
to change faith
?religious change
📝 In Action
Después de muchos años de estudio, la mujer se convirtió al budismo.
B2After many years of study, the woman converted to Buddhism.
Es difícil convencerlo de que se convierta a nuestra causa.
C1It is difficult to convince him to convert to our cause.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'a' for Beliefs
When referring to changing a religion or belief system, 'convertirse' often uses the preposition 'a' (to) instead of 'en' (into): 'Se convirtió al islam.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Prepositions
Mistake: "Se convirtió en catolicismo."
Correction: Se convirtió al catolicismo. (Use 'al' (a + el) when converting to a specific faith.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: convertirse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'convertirse' to describe a change in identity?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'convertirse' and 'hacerse' (both meaning 'to become')?
'Convertirse' implies a deep, often dramatic or sudden transformation (like water freezing into ice, or changing religion). 'Hacerse' usually implies a voluntary, gradual change in profession or identity achieved through effort: 'Se hizo abogado' (He became a lawyer).
Why does the word change its vowels (e to ie or i) when I conjugate it?
'Convertirse' is a 'boot verb' in the present tense, meaning the vowel 'e' changes to 'ie' in most forms (like 'yo me convierto'), but not in the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms. It also changes 'e' to 'i' in the 3rd person preterite and the gerund, which is an extra irregularity you have to watch out for!