convertí
/kohn-ver-TEE/
I converted
I converted (convertí) the raw material into a finished product.
convertí(Verb)
I converted
?to change something from one form/use to another
,I changed
?to alter the nature of something
I transformed
?physical or functional change
,I turned
?e.g., I turned the money into local currency
📝 In Action
Convertí mi vieja bicicleta en una eléctrica.
A2I converted my old bicycle into an electric one.
Convertí todas mis notas a formato digital.
B1I converted all my notes to digital format.
Para el viaje, convertí los dólares a euros.
A2For the trip, I changed the dollars to euros.
💡 Grammar Points
Past Action (Preterite)
The form 'convertí' tells you that I completed the action of converting at a specific moment in the past. It is a one-time, finished action.
The 'I' Form
In the simple past (preterite) tense, all -IR verbs have an accent mark on the final 'í' in the 'yo' form (e.g., salí, viví, convertí).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Stem-Change Confusion
Mistake: "Using 'converté' instead of 'convertí'."
Correction: This is an -IR verb, so the past tense ending for 'yo' must be -í. The -AR ending -é is for verbs like 'hablé' (I spoke).
⭐ Usage Tips
Transitive Use
When you use 'convertí' without a pronoun like 'me' (see next definition), it means I was the one who changed or converted an external object.
I became (Me convertí) a new person after my experience.
convertí(Verb)
I became
?used reflexively (Me convertí)
,I turned into
?used reflexively (Me convertí)
📝 In Action
Me convertí en un gran fanático de la música clásica.
B1I became a great fan of classical music.
A los 30 años, me convertí en madre.
B2At 30 years old, I became a mother.
Después de ese viaje, me convertí en una persona diferente.
B1After that trip, I turned into a different person.
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Change
When you use 'convertí' to mean 'I became' or 'I turned myself into,' you must add the pronoun 'me' before the verb: 'Me convertí en...'.
Using 'en'
This reflexive form almost always requires the preposition 'en' (meaning 'into') immediately after the verb to introduce the new identity or state: 'Me convertí EN doctor'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Pronoun
Mistake: "Saying 'Convertí en doctor.'"
Correction: The action of 'becoming' applies to *me*, so you must say 'Me convertí en doctor.' (I became a doctor).
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Transformation
Use 'convertirse' for significant, often lasting changes in identity, profession, or belief (e.g., becoming a fan, a mother, or a professional).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
subjunctive
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: convertí
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'convertí' to mean 'I became'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'convertí' have an accent mark?
The accent mark on the 'í' is required in the simple past tense (preterite) for the 'yo' form of all -IR verbs. It tells you that the stress falls on the last syllable, differentiating it from other forms or tenses.
What is the difference between 'convertí' and 'convirtió'?
'Convertí' means 'I converted' (first person). 'Convirtió' means 'He/She/It/You (formal) converted' (third person). Note the vowel change from 'e' to 'i' in the third-person past tense.