The simple present tense of convertirse is used to describe actions that are happening right now or that occur habitually. For example, Me convierto en un monstruo cuando tengo hambre. (I turn into a monster when I’m hungry.)

This verb follows the e to ie stem-changing pattern in the present tense. The stem vowel changes from e to ie in all forms except nosotros and vosotros.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Convertirse (to become) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Convertirse generally means to become or to turn into something else, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To become/turn into: This is the most common meaning, indicating a transformation or change into a different state or form. For example, El agua se convierte en hielo cuando la temperatura baja. (The water turns into ice when the temperature drops.)

To join/convert: It can also mean to join or convert to a particular group, belief, or way of life. For example, Muchas personas se convierten al budismo buscando la paz interior. (Many people convert to Buddhism seeking inner peace.)

To change (colloquial): In informal contexts, it can mean to change one’s behavior or attitude, often in a negative way. For example, Desde que consiguió ese trabajo, se convierte en un pesado. (Since he got that job, he has become a pain.)

To transform (figurative): It can also be used figuratively to describe a drastic change or transformation in a situation or environment. For example, La ciudad se convierte en un caos durante las horas pico. (The city turns into chaos during rush hour.)

To adapt (slang): In some slang contexts, it can mean to adapt or adjust to a particular situation or circumstance, often in a humorous or exaggerated way. For example, En esa fiesta, me convertí en un experto bailarín. (At that party, I turned into an expert dancer.)

Examples

Examples of Convertirse in the Present Tense

Cuando me convierto en padre, quiero ser un buen modelo a seguir. (When I become a parent, I want to be a good role model.)

El proceso de convertirse en ciudadano es largo y complicado. (The process of becoming a citizen is long and complicated.)

Mi amigo se convierte en un gran chef cuando cocina para sus invitados. (My friend becomes a great chef when cooking for guests.)

¿Cómo te conviertes en un líder tan carismático? (How do you become such a charismatic leader?)

La mariposa se convierte en una hermosa criatura después de salir del capullo. (The butterfly becomes a beautiful creature after emerging from the cocoon.)

Cuando me convierto en abuela, voy a consentir mucho a mis nietos. (When I become a grandmother, I’m going to spoil my grandchildren a lot.)

El agua se convierte en hielo cuando la temperatura baja a 0°C. (Water becomes ice when the temperature drops to 0°C.)

¿Qué te conviertes cuando creces? ¿Doctor, maestro, ingeniero? (What do you become when you grow up? A doctor, teacher, engineer?)

La novata se convierte en una estrella del deporte con mucha práctica. (The rookie becomes a sports star with a lot of practice.)

Cuando me convierto en millonario, voy a viajar por todo el mundo. (When I become a millionaire, I’m going to travel all over the world.)

La oruga se convierte en una hermosa mariposa después de su metamorfosis. (The caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly after its metamorphosis.)

¿Cómo te conviertes en un experto en esa materia? (How do you become an expert in that subject?)

El hierro se convierte en óxido cuando se expone al aire húmedo. (Iron becomes rust when exposed to moist air.)

Cuando me convierto en adulto mayor, quiero mantenerme activo y saludable. (When I become a senior, I want to stay active and healthy.)

La actriz se convierte en la protagonista de la nueva película. (The actress becomes the lead in the new movie.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Convertirse (to become) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.