convirtiendo
/kohn-veer-tee-EN-doh/
converting
This image shows a caterpillar converting (convirtiendo) into a butterfly, illustrating a change in form or nature.
convirtiendo(Verb (Gerund))
converting
?Changing form or nature
,turning into
?Transforming something
transforming
?Making a significant change
,changing
?General process of alteration
📝 In Action
El agua se está convirtiendo en hielo por el frío.
A2The water is turning into ice because of the cold.
Están convirtiendo la vieja fábrica en un museo de arte moderno.
B1They are converting the old factory into a modern art museum.
La crisis está convirtiendo la vida en un desafío diario.
B1The crisis is turning life into a daily challenge.
💡 Grammar Points
Continuous Action
The word 'convirtiendo' is the '-ing' form (gerund) and is usually paired with a form of 'estar' (like 'estoy,' 'estás,' 'está') to show an action currently in progress: 'está convirtiendo' means 'is converting'.
The 'e to i' Stem Change
When forming the gerund of 'convertir,' the 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i,' which is why we say 'convirtiendo' instead of 'convertiendo.' This change also happens in the past tense (like 'convirtió').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong vowel change
Mistake: "La ciudad está *convertiendo* la basura."
Correction: La ciudad está *convirtiendo* la basura. (Remember the e > i change in the gerund form!)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Purpose
Use 'convirtiendo' when the change is deliberate and results in a new purpose or identity, often followed by 'en' (into): converting X en Y.
The crowning ceremony shows someone making the child become (convirtiendo) royalty, illustrating a change in status.
convirtiendo(Verb (Gerund))
making (someone) become
?Causing a change in status or identity
recruiting
?Gaining a new follower/member (often used reflexively)
,winning over
?Persuading someone to change their allegiance
📝 In Action
Su carisma está convirtiendo a todos en sus seguidores.
B2His charisma is turning everyone into his followers.
El equipo está convirtiendo la presión en motivación positiva.
B2The team is converting the pressure into positive motivation.
Se está convirtiendo en un experto en programación.
C1He is becoming an expert in programming. (Note: uses the reflexive form 'se está convirtiendo')
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use
When the subject is changing itself (becoming something), you must use the reflexive pronoun 'se' before 'está': 'Él se está convirtiendo...' (He is becoming...). If he is changing something else, use the non-reflexive form: 'Él está convirtiendo el garaje...'
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Change
This meaning is often used metaphorically. For example, 'converting a weakness into a strength' (convirtiendo una debilidad en una fortaleza).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: convirtiendo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'convirtiendo' to describe a current action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'convirtiendo' spelled with an 'i' instead of an 'e'?
This is due to an irregular vowel change in the verb 'convertir.' While the infinitive has an 'e,' the gerund form (the '-ndo' form) requires the 'e' to change to an 'i' ('e' > 'i' stem change). This change also happens in the past tense ('convirtió').
Can I use 'convirtiendo' without 'estar'?
Yes, but less often. You can use it as an adjective describing how something is changing (e.g., 'la máquina convirtiendo'—the converting machine), or as part of a longer phrase, but to express 'is converting,' you must use 'estar' (está convirtiendo).