To Become or Not to Become?

Question

According to this page on Spanish.About (here: http://spanish.about.com/od/translationsfromenglish/a/become.htm), there are numerous ways in which the verb "to become" can be translated. To highlight and summarize some of the most common translations:

• Llegar a ser: Change with effort; it can often be literally translated as "to eventually become."

• Ponerse: Sudden or temporary changes in mood, as well general and physical changes.

• Hacerse: Deliberate or voluntary changes; it often can describe a change in identity or affiliation.

• Convertirse en: Major change; "to turn into."

• Transformarse en: Same as above.

• Volverse: Involuntary change; It is more related to people rather than objects.

• Pasar a ser: Change over course of events; "to go on to be."

So are basically all the main verbs used for describing 'becoming something.' There are just some aspects of the article that I am still confused on.

First, what is the difference between llegar a ser and pasar a ser exactly? They appear practically identical here. Is it just simply preference?

Can the verb phrases convertirse en and transformarse en be used without the "en" and if so, how would their meanings change?

If anyone can clarify and expound more on the differences between volverse and ponerse that would be great.

I'm also guessing "transformarse en" is what would you say when talking about a biological or molecular change (e.g "I wish I had the power to turn into a butterfly")? Btw if anyone could translate that aforementioned sentence, that would be epic.* xD

Eso es todo. Gracias por leer y espero que usted pueda ayudarme a más no poder. ¡Nos vemos!

Answer 1

My understanding of: llegar a ser is that it could also be translated as "come to be".

It is possible in British English to say "He came to be a doctor"

This gives the idea of becoming a doctor over a long period of time and possibly a little bit unexpectedly.

:) - ian-hill, Aug 22, 2014

Answer 2

Hello Dsanders,

Welcome to the Spanishdict forum.

Yes, I think you have a good grasp of the meanings of these verbal phrases:

• Llegar a ser: Change with effort; it can often be literally translated as "to eventually become."

Yes, change that takes place gradually over time: Llegó a ser un médico = She became a doctor.

• Ponerse: Sudden or temporary changes in mood, as well general and physical changes.

Yes, changes in mood eg: Se pusó furioso cuando vio (al ver) otro hombre besar a su novia. = He became frurious when he saw (upon seeing) another man kiss his fiance.

• Hacerse: Deliberate or voluntary changes; it often can describe a change in identity or affiliation.

Hacerse is used to indicate a permenant change, but one which takes place more quickly than indicated with the construction llegar a ser.(I learnt this from a native Spanish teacher) ; eg ¡Se hizo rico de la noche a la mañana! = He became rich overnight!

• Convertirse en: Major change; "to turn into."

Yes, this verb is used to describe the change as for example, when milk becomes /turns into cheese. It is used to refer to objects changing state...not (rather than) people!

• Transformarse en: Same as above. This verb, from my experience, is usually used with respect to people

• Volverse: Involuntary change; It is more related to people rather than objects.

Yes, used with respect to sudden and dramatic changes.

eg: Volverse loco = to go crazy eg: Los fans (o aficionados) se vuelven locos cada vez que sale al escenarlo. =The fans go crazy every time she walks on stage.

• Pasar a ser: Change over course of events; "to go on to be."

I believe that this one is also correct although I cannot think of anything to add here, or any examples.

Yes, I believe that the verb transformarse could be used to describe the process of changing from a crysalis to a Butterfly.

I think that the main difference between volverse and ponerse is that you use volverse with adjectives such as: loco, alérgico, antipático y huraño, to refer to sudden, deep and dramatic changes which take place,

ex: Esteban va a volverse loco con todo el trabajo que tiene, = Esteban is going to go crazy with all the work he has.

whereas ponerse is used with adjectives of emotion such as triste, furioso, contento, serio, molesto, alegre, etc... for temporary states/conditions. ex Cuando hablo en públco, me pongo nervioso. = When I speak in public I get nervous.

I hope this helps

My name is not Daniel xD But thank you so much for the answer!! :D Also just wondering but form of "become" would you use for stuff like "I want to become more active," and "How do I become a member of this club?" - Dsanders17, Aug 22, 2014

Hi Dsanders , sorry about the mudde about your name. - FELIZ77, Aug 22, 2014

muddle - FELIZ77, Aug 22, 2014