convertirse
/kombeɾtiɾse/from spelling rules
To become in Spanish is convertirse.
convertirse is used to express changing into something different or transforming into a new state.
Which one should you use?
convertirse en often implies a transformation or a change in nature. In contrast, llegar a ser is used to describe the process of reaching a certain status or profession over time.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing what someone or something becomes, the verb convertirse must be followed by the preposition en.
How do you pronounce it?
/kombeɾtiɾse/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When translating 'to become', do not omit the preposition en after convertirse.
Did you know?
- To describe becoming tired, sick, or pregnant, Spanish uses the reflexive verb quedarse, which literally means 'to stay' or 'to remain'.
- Because convertirse implies a radical change, it is the preferred verb in Spanish literature and fantasy to describe a werewolf turning into a wolf or a person turning into a statue.
- The word 'convertirse' contains the word 'vert', which in many Indo-European languages relates to 'turning', much like the English word 'revert'.
Examples in context
- Kenji decidió convertirse en chef.Kenji decided to become a cook.This sentence shows how to use convertirse regarding a career choice.Tatoeba #983489 by hayastan, translation #239033 by CN
- Tom quería convertirse en abogado.Tom wanted to become a lawyer.Tatoeba #1175437 by marcelostockle, translation #1024033 by CK
- Su objetivo es convertirse en doctor.His aim is to become a doctor.Tatoeba #1209817 by Shishir, translation #287694 by CK
- Él se convirtió en un reconocido científicoHe became a renowned scientist
- Ella se convirtió en abogada y trabaja en un prestigioso bufeteShe became a lawyer and works at a prestigious law firm
- Después de muchos años de estudio y dedicación, logró llegar a ser médicoAfter many years of study and dedication, he managed to become a doctor
- Llegar a ser presidente de la compañía requiere mucho esfuerzo y liderazgoBecoming the president of the company requires a lot of effort and leadership
- Me puse muy feliz cuando me dieron la noticiaI became very happy when I received the news
- Después de la comida, mi hermana se puso roja debido al calorAfter the meal, my sister became red because of the heat
- Mi amigo quiere hacerse famoso en el mundo de la músicaMy friend wants to become famous in the music industry
- Ella se hizo millonaria gracias a su talento como escritoraShe became a millionaire thanks to her talent as a writer
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria and Javier are talking about a caterpillar.
- MaríaMira, la oruga se va a convertirse en mariposa.Look, the caterpillar is going to become a butterfly.
- JavierEs un proceso muy increíble.It is a very incredible process.
- María¿Sabías que tarda varias semanas en convertirse?Did you know it takes several weeks to transform?
- JavierSí, es fascinante verlo.Yes, it is fascinating to watch.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry convertirse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
