volverse
/bol-ver-se/
to become
Volverse can mean 'to become,' illustrating a change in character or state, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
volverse(verb)
to become
?change in character or state
,to turn
?change into something else
to go
?sudden change, e.g., 'go crazy'
📝 In Action
Después del accidente, se volvió muy callado.
B1After the accident, he became very quiet (reserved).
Con el tiempo, el agua se volvió hielo.
A2Over time, the water turned into ice.
Ella se volvió loca cuando perdió las llaves.
B2She went crazy when she lost the keys.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Change
This verb is always reflexive (using me, te, se, etc.) when it means 'to become' because the subject is changing themselves.
Volverse vs. Ponerse
Use 'volverse' for deep, lasting, or unexpected changes in character or state, and 'ponerse' for temporary emotional changes (e.g., 'ponerse triste' - to get sad).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ser' for Change
Mistake: "El niño fue alto."
Correction: El niño se volvió alto. (You need a verb of change, not just 'ser', to describe the process of becoming something.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Crazy' Change
When describing someone 'going crazy,' 'volverse' is the most natural choice: 'Se volvió loco con el estrés.'
When used for physical rotation, volverse means 'to turn around.'
volverse(verb)
to turn around
?physical rotation
,to turn back
?returning to a previous position
to face
?changing orientation
📝 In Action
Me volví para ver quién me había llamado.
A2I turned around to see who had called me.
Se volvió hacia la puerta y se fue.
A2He turned toward the door and left.
Por favor, no te vuelvas hasta que cuente tres.
B1Please, don't turn around until I count to three.
💡 Grammar Points
Non-Reflexive 'Volver'
The non-reflexive form, 'volver' (without the 'se'), means simply 'to return' or 'to give back,' referring to an object or location, not the person changing or turning themselves.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Volver and Volverse
Mistake: "Me volví a casa."
Correction: Volví a casa. (Use 'volver' without 'se' when you mean 'I returned home.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical vs. Abstract
If the action involves your body rotating or changing its direction, use 'volverse'. If it's about returning an item or going back to a place, use 'volver'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
subjunctive
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: volverse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'volverse' to describe a physical change?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'volver' and 'volverse'?
'Volver' (without 'se') means 'to return' to a place (e.g., 'Vuelvo a casa' - I return home). 'Volverse' (with 'se') means either 'to turn your body around' or 'to become' something new (a change in character or state).
Is 'volverse' used for professions?
Generally, no. For voluntary changes like professions or achieving something through effort, use 'hacerse' (e.g., 'Se hizo médico' - He became a doctor). 'Volverse' implies a change that happened to you, rather than one you worked toward.