vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Cambiar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to change", and "convertir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to turn into". Learn more about the difference between "cambiar" and "convertir" below.
cambiar(
kahm
-
byahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to exchange
Quiero cambiar esta camiseta por una talla más pequeña.I want to exchange this t-shirt for a smaller size.
3. (to replace)
a. to change
Cambié la bombilla pero todavía no funciona la lámpara.I changed the light bulb but the lamp still doesn't work.
4. (finance)
a. to exchange
Puedes cambiar divisas aunque no tengas una cuenta en este banco.You can exchange currency even if you don't have an account at this bank.
b. to change
Si vas a viajar a Inglaterra, tendrás que cambiar dólares en libras esterlinas.If you're traveling to England, you'll need to change dollars into pounds sterling.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to change
En los últimos años, mi padre ha cambiado mucho; se le ha suavizado el carácter.In recent years, my father has changed a lot. His character has mellowed.
6. (transport)
a. to change
Para ir desde aquí hasta allí en metro, tienes que cambiar en Plaza Universidad.To get there from here by subway, you need to change at Plaza Universidad.
7. (automobile)
a. to shift gear (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
¡Nunca cambias a tiempo!You never shift gear in time!
b. to change gear (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
¡Cambia! ¿No ves que se te está ahogando el motor?Change gear! Can't you see the engine's flooding?
c. to shift down (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Mejor cambiar a segunda aquí, ¿no?It would be best to shift down to second here, wouldn't it?
d. to change down (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Al llegar a la cuesta, Carmen cambió de tercera a segunda.When she came up to the hill, Carmen changed down from third into second.
e. to shift up (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Puedes cambiar a quinta en este tramo, ¿no?You can shift up to fifth on this stretch, can't you?
f. to change up (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Cuando aceleraste, tendrías que haber cambiado a quinta.When you accelerated, you should have changed up to fifth.
a. to switch
Después de muchos años, he decidido cambiar de banco.After many years, I've decided to switch banks.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Nos puede indicar su posición? Cambio. - Sí, estamos a cinco millas de la costa en dirección este. Cambio.Can you give us your position? Over. - Yes, we are five miles east of the coast. Over.
De acuerdo, le avisaré cuando estemos sobrevolando la ciudad. Cambio y corto.Ok, I'll let you know when we're flying over the city. Over and out.
cambiarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
c. to change one's clothes
Quiero cambiarme antes de salir.I want to change my clothes before going out.
convertir(
kohm
-
behr
-
teer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to change into
El trabajo lo había convertido en un hombre aburrido.Work had changed him into a boring man.
a. to convert
Los misioneros convirtieron al catolicismo a muchos nativos en África.The missionaries converted many natives in Africa to Catholicism.
5. (sports)
a. to score (in soccer and basketball)
El jugador convirtió el penal.The player scored the penalty kick.
b. to convert (in American football and rugby)
Convirtió el ensayo y anotó dos puntos más para su equipo.He converted the try and scored two extra points for his team.
convertirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
b. to turn into
El pueblecito de pescadores se ha convertido en un lugar turístico.The small fishing village has turned into a tourist resort.
a. to convert to
Me convertí al judaísmo para casarme con mi amada.I converted to Judaism to marry my love.
