How to Say "to persuade" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to persuade” is “convencer” — use 'convencer' when you have successfully influenced someone to change their mind or make a specific decision..
convencer
kohn-vehn-SEHR/kombenˈθeɾ/
Examples
Intenté convencerlo de que viniera a la fiesta.
I tried to convince him to come to the party.
Ella me convenció de que era una buena idea invertir.
She persuaded me that investing was a good idea.
El vendedor nos convenció fácilmente con su demostración.
The salesperson convinced us easily with his demonstration.
The 'C' to 'ZC' Spelling Change
In the 'yo' form of the present tense, the 'c' changes to 'zc' (convenzo). This happens to keep the 'c' sounding like an 's' or 'th' sound before an 'o' or 'a'.
Using 'de' or 'que'
When convincing someone to do an action, you usually use 'de' followed by the action: 'convencer [a alguien] de [hacer algo]'. You can also use 'que' followed by a full sentence: 'convencer [a alguien] de que [sentence]'
Forgetting the ZC
Mistake: “Yo convenco (Incorrect)”
Correction: Yo convenzo (Correct). Remember the 'zc' ending in the 'yo' form and the entire present subjunctive (convenza).
persuadir
/per-swah-DEER//peɾ.swaˈðiɾ/
Examples
Intenté persuadir a mi padre de que comprara un coche nuevo.
I tried to persuade my father to buy a new car.
Sus argumentos lograron persuadir a la audiencia.
His arguments managed to persuade the audience.
No me dejes persuadirte de algo que no quieres hacer.
Don't let me talk you into something you don't want to do.
The 'Personal A'
Since you are usually persuading a person, don't forget to use 'a' before the person you are convincing. For example: 'Persuadir a María'.
Using 'De' to Connect Ideas
When you persuade someone of an idea or a fact, use the little word 'de' followed by 'que'. Example: 'La persuadí de que era verdad'.
Forgetting the 'De'
Mistake: “Te persuado que vengas.”
Correction: Te persuado de que vengas. (In Spanish, when we persuade someone 'of' something, we need that 'de' connection).
inducir
/een-doo-SEER//induˈsiɾ/
Examples
Sus palabras me indujeron a tomar una decisión difícil.
His words induced me to make a difficult decision.
La falta de señalización puede inducir al error.
The lack of signage can lead to mistakes.
El anuncio intenta inducir al consumo de productos locales.
The advertisement tries to persuade people to consume local products.
Using the connector 'a'
When you use this word to mean influencing someone to do an action, you must use the word 'a' before the next verb. For example: 'Me indujo a comprarlo'.
The 'J' transformation in the past
In the past tense (preterite), the 'c' changes to a 'j'. This is a common pattern for verbs ending in '-ducir'.
The 'Yo' form in the present
Mistake: “Yo induco.”
Correction: Yo induzco. Verbs like this add a 'z' before the 'c' to keep the soft sound when followed by 'o'.
Missing the 'a'
Mistake: “Me indujo comprarlo.”
Correction: Me indujo a comprarlo. You need the 'a' to connect the influence to the action.
Convencer vs. Persuadir
Related Translations
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