convencer
/kombenˈθeɾ/
To win over in Spanish is convencer.
The primary way to express winning someone over is through the verb convencer, which means to persuade someone to agree with you or support your point of view. You can also use ganarse a alguien when you want to emphasize winning someone's affection, trust or loyalty rather than just their agreement.
Which one should you use?
While convencer is the standard translation for 'to win over', it can also mean 'to convince' in a more literal sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the object of the verb is a person, you must use the personal 'a' before them, forming the phrase convencer a alguien. Additionally, the past participle convencido can be used as an adjective to describe someone who has been won over.
How do you pronounce it?
/kombenˈθeɾ/
Did you know?
- The word convencer is related to the Latin 'vincere', which is also the root of the English word 'victory', suggesting that winning an argument is seen as a form of triumph.
- While convencer focuses on the mind, ganarse a alguien literally means 'to earn someone', treating a person's trust like a prize or a wage.
- To say someone was 'won over' by a charm or a trick, Spanish might use seducir, which carries a strong connotation of temptation beyond simple agreement.
Examples in context
- El representante de ventas ganó al cliente mediante un excelente servicio al cliente.The sales representative won over the client through excellent customer service.
- Me esforcé en conocer a los padres de mi pareja para caerles bien.I made an effort to get to know my partner's parents to win them over.
- Es difícil convencer a los clientes.It is difficult to win over the clients.
- Logré convencer a mi jefe de la idea.I managed to win my boss over to the idea.
- ¿Cómo puedes convencer a tu familia?How can you win over your family?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a new project at work.
- JavierTenemos que convencer al equipo del nuevo plan.We have to win the team over to the new plan.
- ElenaEs una buena idea, Javier.It is a good idea, Javier.
- JavierPero ella es muy escéptica.But she is very skeptical.
- ElenaYo te ayudaré a convencerla.I will help you win her over.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry convencer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries convencer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
