Inklingo

How to Say "winning over" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conquista

/kon-KEES-tah//konˈkista/

nounB1general
Use 'conquista' when referring to the act of winning someone's affection or love, often in a romantic or deeply persuasive sense, like winning a prize.
A knight standing on a hill planting a colorful flag into the ground with a castle in the distance.

Examples

El carismático líder logró la conquista de la audiencia con su discurso.

The charismatic leader achieved winning over the audience with his speech.

La conquista del espacio fue un momento histórico.

The conquest of space was a historical moment.

El derecho al voto fue una gran conquista social.

The right to vote was a great social achievement.

Juan está muy feliz con su nueva conquista.

Juan is very happy with his new romantic interest.

It's Always Feminine

Even though it can describe a man you've won over, the word 'conquista' always stays feminine. You would say 'Él es mi nueva conquista'.

Beyond Military Action

In Spanish, we use this word for rights and goals. If a group of people works hard to get a new law passed, they call that law a 'conquista'.

Don't use 'el'

Mistake: “El conquista fue difícil.”

Correction: La conquista fue difícil. Always use feminine articles (la/una) with this noun.

convirtiendo

kohn-veer-tee-EN-doh/kom.bjerˈtjen.do/

verb (gerund)B2general
Use 'convirtiendo' when describing the ongoing process of persuading someone to change their opinion or become a supporter of a cause or person.
A close-up illustration of an adult hand gently placing a golden crown onto the head of a smiling child, symbolizing a change in status or identity.

Examples

Ella está convirtiendo a sus oponentes en aliados con su estrategia.

She is winning over her opponents into allies with her strategy.

Su carisma está convirtiendo a todos en sus seguidores.

His charisma is turning everyone into his followers.

El equipo está convirtiendo la presión en motivación positiva.

The team is converting the pressure into positive motivation.

Se está convirtiendo en un experto en programación.

He is becoming an expert in programming. (Note: uses the reflexive form 'se está convirtiendo')

Reflexive Use

When the subject is changing itself (becoming something), you must use the reflexive pronoun 'se' before 'está': 'Él se está convirtiendo...' (He is becoming...). If he is changing something else, use the non-reflexive form: 'Él está convirtiendo el garaje...'

Noun vs. Verb for 'Winning Over'

Learners often confuse 'conquista' and 'convirtiendo' by using the noun 'conquista' when an ongoing action (verb) is needed. Remember, 'conquista' refers to the achievement or the act itself, while 'convirtiendo' describes the process of persuading.

Related Translations

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