How Many Ways Are There To Say To Become

Question

It seems there are several ways to say To Become....

1) Hacerse

2) LLegar a ser

3) Ponerse

4) Transformarse

5) Convertirse

Would someone clarify the differences?

Thank You,

Answer 1

1) Hacerse - to make yourself

2) LLegar a ser - to reach to be

3) Ponerse - not correct - ponerse=to get

4) Transformarse - to transform into

5) Convertirse - to convert into

• Good response. - Daniel Oct 22, 2009

Answer 2

There is a lesson specifically addressing this. lesson 3.14 However, transformarse is not covered. I will go over these a bit but I suggest you watch the video as I am not fluent in the language.

Ponerse is used with adjectives that describe temporary emotions and conditions. Cuando hablo en público, me pongo nerviosa. When I speak in public I get nervous. Think of it as a change that begins when a variable is introduced and ends when the variable is removed. When in speaking in public she is nervous, when not speaking in public she isn't nervous. Speaking in public is the variable.

Volverse is used with adjectives of emotion and conditions that are sudden or profound. One example is Esteban va a volverse loco. Esteban is going to go crazy. It will just happen, he is going to snap! These are things that happen unexpectedly or without warning.

Hacerse is used with adjectives and nouns that indicate permanent changes. Categories for hacerse include professions, religions, political stances, and finances.

llegar a ser is similar to hacerse.

Convertirse indicates changes in things or objects. House renovations, changes in names, etc.