convertir
/kombeɾˈtiɾ/
To convert in Spanish is convertir.
The verb convertir is used to express the idea of transforming something into another form, substance, state or product.
Meaning: transform (something) into another form, substance, state, or product (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice between the reflexive and non-reflexive form depends on what is being changed. Use the reflexive form convertirse when a person is converting to a religion or changing their own state. Use the non-reflexive form convertir when an external agent is transforming an object or substance into something else. To indicate the resulting state or form, the verb is typically followed by the preposition en as in convertir en.
How do you pronounce it?
/kombeɾˈtiɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use convertir a to mean 'to convert to' in a religious sense. While a is used for the person being converted, the act of converting oneself is expressed as convertirse a or convertirse al/la.
Did you know?
- The phrase convertirse en is used for magical transformations, such as a frog turning into a prince, where English would use 'turn into' or 'become'.
- In a religious context, if someone is described as convertido, it doesn't just mean they changed religions, but often implies a profound spiritual 'awakening' or 'transformation'.
- The verb convertir shares its roots with the English word 'convert', both coming from the Latin 'convertere', which means 'to turn around'.
Examples in context
- Yanni dijo que se iba a convertir al islam.Yanni said he was going to convert to Islam.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express someone converting to a religion with convertir.Tatoeba #13416909 by Seael, translation #9959290 by Amastan
- Tom ayudó a muchos musulmanes a convertirse al cristianismo.Tom helped many Muslims convert to Christianity.This sentence shows how to use convertir in the context of religious conversion.Tatoeba #6881409 by diegohn, translation #6634247 by Reonaato
- A ella le gustaban los hombres gordos, por lo tanto, decidió convertirse al budismo.She loved fat men, so she decided to convert to Buddhism.This sentence demonstrates the use of convertir when describing a personal decision to change religions.Tatoeba #1004865 by Shishir, translation #487937 by MUIRIEL
- Necesito convertir estos dólares a euros.I need to convert these dollars to euros.
- La experiencia me transformó y me convertí en una persona diferente.The experience transformed me, and I became a different person.
- Me hice católico después de mucho tiempo.I became a Catholic after a long time.
- Mi amigo pasó al judaísmo hace poco.My friend converted to Judaism recently.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking about a home renovation project.
- SofíaQuiero convertir el garaje en una oficina.I want to convert the garage into an office.
- MateoEs una gran idea, Sofía.That is a great idea, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Crees que sea fácil convertir el espacio?Do you think it will be easy to convert the space?
- MateoSí, Mateo puede ayudarte con eso.Yes, Mateo can help you with that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “convert” translations and entries convertir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries convertir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
