Inklingo

How to Say "to convert" in Spanish

English → Spanish

convertir

kohn-vehr-teerkom.beɾˈtiɾ

verbA2general
Use 'convertir' when changing something from one form, currency, or unit 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.

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).

transformar

trahns-for-MAHRtɾansfoɾˈmaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'transformar' when discussing the processing or change of energy, data, or physical states into something new.
A bright yellow sun shining onto a blue solar panel which is powering a glowing lightbulb.

Examples

Las placas solares **transforman** la luz en electricidad.

Solar panels **convert** light into electricity.

Las placas solares transforman la luz en electricidad.

Solar panels convert light into electricity.

Este software puede transformar archivos PDF a Word.

This software can convert PDF files to Word.

Technical Usage

In technical contexts like computing or physics, you can sometimes use 'a' instead of 'en' to show a change in file format, though 'en' is still safer.

convertirse

con-ver-TIR-sekom.beɾˈtiɾ.se

verbB2general
Use 'convertirse' specifically when someone changes their religion or 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.

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'

Learners often confuse 'convertir' (to change X to Y) with 'convertirse' (to become something, often religious). Remember 'convertirse' is reflexive and used for personal changes, especially religious ones, while 'convertir' is transitive and requires an object being changed.

Related Translations

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