Using convertirse en / ponerse / hacerse / quedarse to express "to become" (Spanish verbs of change)

Learn about Spanish verbs expressing change

In Spanish there are different ways to express "to become", which can be confusing for English speakers.

Depending on the context we use:

  • convertirse (en) = to become
  • hacerse to become
  • ponerse to become
  • quedarse to become

1. Convertirse en

We use this to refer to "a radical change" in personality or in profession, for example:

Después de años trabajando como extra se convirtió en una actriz muy famosa.After years working as an extra she became a very famous actress.

El abuelo se ha convertido en un anciano muy gruñón.Grandpa has become a very grumpy old man.

Notice the preposition "en" is required after the verb.

Bear in mind that this verb can also be used as non-pronominal when you want to say that something/someone made something/someone into someting, for example:

La habilidad de hablar varios idiomas convirtió a María en una candidata ideal para el puesto internacional.The ability to speak multiple languages made Maria an ideal candidate for the international position.

Sus hazañas lo convirtieron en un héroe.His exploits made him a hero.

2. Hacerse 

We use this to refer to profession, ideology or religion.

Mi hermana se hizo dentista.My sister became a dentist.

Miguel se va a hacer republicano.Miguel is becoming a republican.

Se ha hecho vegetariana después de ver el documental.She became a vegetarian after watching the documentary.

Alicia se hizo católica.Alicia became a Catholic.

Note: convertirse en and hacerse are very often interchangeable, although convertirse en suggests a more radical change.

When we talk about someone becoming "famous", we can either say:

hacerse famoso/-a or convertirse en alguien famoso

Lady Gaga se hizo muy famosa en 2008.Lady Gaga became famous in 2008.

Lady Gaga se convirtió en una cantante famosa en 2008.Lady Gaga became a famous singer in 2008.

3. Ponerse

We use this to refer to temporary changes in health or mood, and to physical changes in general.

Mi hijo pequeño se puso enfermo.My younger son became ill.

Te pusiste muy triste.You became/got very sad.

Ella se puso roja al ver a Javier.She became/turned red when she saw Javier.

Mi padre se ha puesto muy gordo.My dad has become/got very fat.

4. Quedarse

We generally use this to refer to permanent physical changes.

Luis se quedó sordo de pequeño.Luis became deaf when he was a boy.

El pobre hombre se ha quedado paralítico.The poor man has become paralyzed.

All these verbs are pronominal verbs (i.e., have reflexive pronouns) but only convertirse is followed by the preposition "en".

See also Using Spanish verb volverse to express to become/to turn (verbs of change)

 

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Examples and resources

Miguel se va a hacer republicano.Miguel is becoming a republican.
Se ha hecho vegetariana después de ver el documental.She became a vegetarian after watching the documentary.
Mi hijo pequeño se puso enfermo.My younger son became ill.
Ella se puso roja al ver a Javier.She became/turned red when she saw Javier.
Mi padre se ha puesto muy gordo.My dad has become/got very fat.
Te pusiste muy triste.You became/got very sad.
Luis se quedó sordo de pequeño.Luis became deaf when he was a boy.
Lady Gaga se hizo muy famosa en 2008.Lady Gaga became famous in 2008.
Lady Gaga se convirtió en una cantante famosa en 2008.Lady Gaga became a famous singer in 2008.
Alicia se hizo católica.Alicia became a Catholic.
El pobre hombre se ha quedado paralítico.The poor man has become paralyzed.
La habilidad de hablar varios idiomas convirtió a María en una candidata ideal para el puesto internacional.The ability to speak multiple languages made Maria an ideal candidate for the international position.
Sus hazañas lo convirtieron en un héroe.His exploits made him a hero.
Después de años trabajando como extra se convirtió en una actriz muy famosa.After years working as an extra she became a very famous actress.
El abuelo se ha convertido en un anciano muy gruñón.Grandpa has become a very grumpy old man.
Mi hermana se hizo dentista.My sister became a dentist.
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