How to Say “Convince” in Spanish: A Complete Guide with Tips and Examples

Are you looking for ways to express the word “convince” in Spanish? Whether you want to persuade someone formally or informally, we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various translations, including formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive right in!

Formal Ways to Say “Convince” in Spanish

When you want to convey a sense of formality while persuading someone, these are the phrases you can use:

1. Convencer: This is the standard verb for “to convince” in Spanish. It is used in formal contexts and can be used as follows:
   

   Él intenta convencer a su jefe de aprobar el proyecto. (He is trying to convince his boss to approve the project.)

   This verb is versatile and can be conjugated according to the subject of the sentence.

2. Persuadir: This verb means “to persuade” and is commonly used in formal situations. It can be used as follows:
   

   Necesito persuadir a mi equipo de que este plan es el mejor. (I need to persuade my team that this plan is the best.)

   Like “convencer,” “persuadir” can also be conjugated according to the subject.

3. Lograr convencer: This phrase translates to “to manage to convince” and is useful when emphasizing the successful persuasion of someone. For instance:
   

   Logramos convencer a los inversores de financiar nuestro proyecto. (We managed to convince the investors to finance our project.)

4. Inducir a creer: If you want to express the act of inducing someone to believe something, this phrase can be used. For example:
   

   El académico indujo a sus estudiantes a creer en su teoría novedosa. (The scholar induced his students to believe in his groundbreaking theory.)

Informal Ways to Say “Convince” in Spanish

When you want to adopt a more casual and informal tone, these phrases will come in handy:

1. Convencer: Yes, “convencer” can also be used in informal contexts, just as “to convince” is versatile in English. For instance:
   

   Mi amigo me convenció para ir a la fiesta. (My friend convinced me to go to the party.)

   The conjugation of “convencer” may change based on the subject.

2. Chamullar: This slang term is popular in some Latin American countries, particularly Argentina, and means “to convince” or “to sweet-talk.” It is often used in informal conversations among friends. For example:
   

   Pablo siempre me chamulla para que le preste dinero. (Pablo always sweet-talks me into lending him money.)

3. Terminar de convencer: This phrase translates to “to finish convincing” and is used when someone finally succeeds in persuading another person. For instance:
   

   Le terminé de convencer de que se uniera a nuestra banda. (I finally convinced him to join our band.)

4. Convencer para: This phrase is often used in informal contexts to express convincing someone to do something specific. For example:
   

   Lo convencí para que probara el nuevo restaurante en el centro. (I convinced him to try the new restaurant downtown.)

It is important to note that some informal expressions may vary by region, and it’s always helpful to check if the phrase is commonly used in the specific country or region you are targeting.

Tips for Using “Convince” in Spanish

Now that you know the formal and informal ways to say “convince” in Spanish, here are some useful tips to enhance your understanding:

1. Practice conjugating the verb “convencer” in different tenses, as it will be a versatile tool in your Spanish communication toolbox.
2. Context matters! Understand the nuances of formality and informality to choose the appropriate expression for each situation.
3. Immerse yourself in Spanish media, such as movies, TV shows, and books, to familiarize yourself with the different expressions and variations used in various Spanish-speaking countries.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask native speakers for guidance or clarification on different phrases to ensure cultural sensitivity and accuracy.

To summarize, “convencer” is the standard translation for “to convince” in Spanish, while “persuadir” is another formal option. In informal contexts, “convencer” continues to be versatile, and you can also explore slang terms like “chamullar.” Remember, understanding the appropriate context and regional variations will help you communicate effectively in Spanish.

With these helpful tips and examples, you are now equipped to use the word “convince” confidently in both formal and informal Spanish conversations. ¡Buena suerte!