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"Volverse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to become", and "convertirse" is a pronominal verb which is also often translated as "to become". Learn more about the difference between "volverse" and "convertirse" below.
volverse(
bohl
-
behr
-
seh
)A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
2. (to be back)
a. to return
Se volvió a España porque no encontró trabajo acá.He returned to Spain because he couldn't find a job here.
b. to come back
Vuélvanse antes de que los agarre la tormenta.Come back before you get caught in the storm.
c. to go back
Me tuve que volver temprano para sacar al perro.I had to go back early to take the dog out.
a. to turn around
Me volví para enfrentar a los que me estaban insultando.I turned around to face those who were insulting me.
volver
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (to be back)
a. to return
Vuelve con el recibo si quieres un crédito en la tienda.Return with the receipt if you want store credit.
c. to go back
Solo llevo una semana de vuelta pero ya quiero volver a España.I've only been back a week and I already want to go back to Spain.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡Tengo que volver a limpiarlo todo!I have to clean everything again!
Volverá a llover este fin de semana.It will rain again this weekend.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
6. (to swivel)
convertirse(
kohm
-
behr
-
teer
-
seh
)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.
convertir
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.
7. (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.
