vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Convertir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to turn into", and "transformar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to transform". Learn more about the difference between "convertir" and "transformar" below.
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.
transformar(
trahns
-
fohr
-
mahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to alter)
a. to transform
Internet transformó la comunicación global.The internet transformed global communication.
a. to turn into
La hechicera del cuento transformó al príncipe en una rana.The witch in the story turned the prince into a frog.
b. to convert into
Pensamos transformar el garaje en oficina.We are planning to convert the garage into an office.
a. to convert into
Las celdas solares transforman la energía solar en eléctrica.Solar cells convert solar energy into electrical energy.
4. (sports)
a. to convert (rugby)
El zaguero galés no consiguió transformar el ensayo.The Welsh fullback failed to convert the try.
b. to score on (soccer)
El jugador brasileño transformó el penal.The Brazilian player scored on the penalty kick.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
5. (sports)
a. to convert (rugby)
En los últimos minutos el equipo transformó.The team converted in the last few minutes.
transformarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to transform
Una idea tan simple se transformó en un negocio próspero.Such a simple idea transformed into a thriving business.
b. to change completely
Julieta se transformó desde que es mamá.Julieta has completely changed since she became a mom.
c. to undergo a complete transformation
¡Qué elegante! Parece que tu hermano se ha transformado.How smart he looks! Your brother seems to have undergone a complete transformation.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Su padre se transforma cuando bebe.His father becomes a different person when he drinks.
Mi madre se transformó desde que se jubiló.My mother has been a different woman since she retired.
a. to be converted into
Estas calorías se transforman en grasas.These calories are converted into fat.
b. to become
El bombero se transformó en héroe, salvando las vidas de muchas personas.The fireman became a hero, saving the lives of many people.
