convertir(se) v (lo) convertir

Question

Hello everyone

I'm a bit confused when to use convertirse (en) v (lo) convertir (en). I have the gut feeling the reflexive form refers to people/animals etc, while the non-reflexive form is for inanimate objects. However, even Spanish speaking friends of mine aren't compeltely sure so any assistance would be appreciated.

Consider the following examples from Diccionario Practica de Gramatica: (I'm sorry my computer isn't recognising accent marks at the moment).

Juan Gil *se *convirtio en** cantante de la noche a la mañana.

Ese convento lo han convertido en una discoteca de moda.

Also, from a previous DELE exam, appears this question:

(From- Panama, Un Pais Por Descubrir).

En sus aguas convergen corrientes marinas y en sus cielos transitan cientos de aves, que _____________ convierten en un paraiso para los amantes de la naturaleza.

Lo es the correct answer, but not se. Can somebody shed some light on these issues.

Many thanks

Andrew

I see that this is a duplicate post. Next time just add a reply of your own to kick it back up the list rather than creating a 2nd post. - 0074b507, Jan 20, 2011

Answer 1

I don't think the lo has anything to do with convertir or convertirse.

In Spanish when the object of the verb appears before the verb a redundant d.o.p. (lo) is often used.

Ese convento lo han convertido en una discoteca de moda.

The convent is the object that they have converted and it appears before the verb.

Read this article on the redunant d.o.p. (don't confuse it with the redundant i.o.p (le))

redundant d.o.p.

The redundant pronoun is required when the actual direct or indirect object precedes the verb.

The same reason holds for your other sentence (what is converted to a paradise is written before the verb so a redundant d.o.p. lo is used.

Think of it as an unnecessary it.

The bedroom they converted [it] into a den.

¡Bienvenido al foro!

Welcome to the forum!

Answer 2

I think...

It is to do with who is doing the changing.

Juan Gil *se *convirtio en** cantante de la noche a la mañana.

Juan converts himself into a singer. He is the one doing the changing.

Ese convento lo han convertido en una discoteca de moda.

They have converted the convent into a disco.

You could say that the convent se convirtió into a disco which would be the equivalent of saying 'the convent was changed into a disco' without stating by whom.

En sus aguas convergen corrientes marinas y en sus cielos transitan cientos de aves, que _____________ convierten en un paraiso para los amantes de la naturaleza.

The birds change the sky into a paradise...

You could say that the sky se convirtió into a paradise but the author wants to credit change to the presence of the birds.