Inklingo

How to Say "to transform" in Spanish

English → Spanish

convertir

kohn-vehr-teerkom.beɾˈtiɾ

verbA2general
Use 'convertir' when changing something from one form, currency, or system to another, often implying a practical or functional change.
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).

transformar

trahns-for-MAHRtɾansfoɾˈmaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'transformar' when the change is more about altering the form, appearance, or nature of something, often in a more artistic or profound way.
A green caterpillar on a leaf turning into a colorful butterfly with bright wings.

Examples

El artista quiere transformar el metal en una obra de arte.

The artist wants to transform the metal into a work of art.

Las nuevas tecnologías van a transformar nuestra manera de vivir.

New technologies are going to transform our way of living.

Ella logró transformar su pequeño negocio en una gran empresa.

She managed to transform her small business into a large company.

The 'Result' Connection

When you transform one thing into another, Spanish always uses the word 'en' (meaning 'into'). Example: 'Transformar A en B'.

Making it Personal

If someone is changing themselves (like a character in a movie or a person changing their life), you add 'se' to the end: 'transformarse'.

Wrong Connecting Word

Mistake: “Transformar algo a otra cosa.”

Correction: Transformar algo en otra cosa. Use 'en' to show the new form something takes.

Convertir vs. Transformar

Learners often confuse 'convertir' and 'transformar' by using 'convertir' for significant physical or artistic changes. Remember that 'convertir' is typically for practical changes like currency or units, while 'transformar' implies a more fundamental alteration of form or appearance.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.