Inklingo

How to Say "to convert" in Spanish

English → Spanish

convertir

/kohn-vehr-teer//kom.beɾˈtiɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'convertir' when you are changing something from one form, function, or currency to another.
A plain rectangular block of wood is shown mid-transformation, with one end clearly finished as a detailed wooden bird sculpture, illustrating the change of form.

Examples

Necesitas convertir los euros a dólares antes del viaje.

You need to convert the euros to dollars before the trip.

Necesitas **convertir** los euros a dólares antes del viaje.

You need to **convert** the euros to dollars before the trip.

El mago prometió **convertir** el agua en vino.

The magician promised to **convert** the water into wine.

Vamos a **convertir** esta habitación vieja en una oficina.

We are going to **convert** this old room into an office.

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).

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).

convertirse

/con-ver-TIR-se//kom.beɾˈtiɾ.se/

verbB2general
Use 'convertirse' when referring to a personal transformation, especially joining a new religion or adopting a new belief system.
A simple storybook illustration showing a lone figure stepping from a shadowed, winding dirt road onto a new, brightly illuminated cobblestone path, symbolizing a change in belief.

Examples

Después de muchos años de estudio, la mujer se convirtió al budismo.

After many years of study, the woman converted to Buddhism.

Es difícil convencerlo de que se convierta a nuestra causa.

It is difficult to convince him to convert to our cause.

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.'

Mixing Prepositions

Mistake: “Se convirtió en catolicismo.”

Correction: Se convirtió al catolicismo. (Use 'al' (a + el) when converting to a specific faith.)

Confusing 'convertir' and 'convertirse'

The most common mistake is using 'convertir' when talking about a personal change in belief. Remember that 'convertirse' is reflexive and specifically implies a personal transformation, like changing one's religion.

Related Translations

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