What Are Spanish Verbs of Becoming?

Spanish verbs of becoming are a unique set of verbs that express a change or transformation in the subject’s state or condition. These verbs often refer to the subject’s transition from one state to another, such as from being cold to being warm. Some of the most common Spanish verbs of becoming include volverse, ponerse, hacerse, convertirse en, and llegar a ser.

Key Differences Between Spanish Verbs of Becoming

While these verbs may seem similar at first glance, they each have distinct nuances and are used in different contexts. Let’s explore the key differences between the most common Spanish verbs of becoming:

Volverse

Volverse is used to indicate a significant or lasting change, often involving a person’s character or personality. It is typically used with adjectives or past participles.

Example:

• Se volvió muy callado después del accidente.
  (He became very quiet after the accident.)

Ponerse

Ponerse is used to describe a temporary or sudden change in a person’s state or condition, such as emotions or physical appearance. It is commonly used with adjectives.

Example:

• Se puso rojo de la vergüenza.
  (He turned red with embarrassment.)

Hacerse

Hacerse can be used to describe a change that results from a deliberate action or effort on the part of the subject. It is often used with nouns or adjectives relating to professions, beliefs, or affiliations.

Example:

• Se hizo vegetariano por razones de salud.
  (He became a vegetarian for health reasons.)

Convertirse en

Convertirse en is used to indicate a transformation or change in identity. It is often used with nouns and is similar to the English expression “to turn into.”

Example:

• La oruga se convirtió en mariposa.
  (The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.)

Llegar a ser

Llegar a ser expresses a gradual and often unexpected change that occurs over time. It is typically used with nouns or adjectives.

Example:

• Con el tiempo, llegó a ser un experto en la materia.
  (Over time, he became an expert in the subject.)

How to Conjugate Spanish Verbs of Becoming

Spanish verbs of becoming are conjugated according to the regular rules of conjugation for each verb group (-ar, -er, and -ir verbs). Here is a breakdown of the conjugation for each verb in the present tense:

• Volverse: vuelvo, vuelves, vuelve, volvemos, volvéis, vuelven
• Ponerse: me pongo, te pones, se pone, nos ponemos, os ponéis, se ponen
• Hacerse: me hago, te haces, se hace, nos hacemos, os hacéis, se hacen
• Convertirse en: me convierto, te conviertes, se convierte, nos convertimos, os convertís, se convierten
• Llegar a ser: llego a ser, llegas a ser, llega a ser, llegamos a ser, llegáis a ser, llegan a ser

Tips for Using Spanish Verbs of Becoming

1. Pay close attention to the context in which you’re using the verb. Consider the type of change you’re describing and whether it is temporary, sudden, deliberate, or gradual.
2. Remember that some verbs of becoming require the use of a preposition, such as en with convertirse en or a with llegar a ser.
3. Be mindful of the differences between reflexive and non-reflexive forms. For example, hacer means “to do” or “to make,” while hacerse is a verb of becoming that means “to become.”
4. Practice conjugating the verbs in different tenses to become more comfortable using them in various situations.

By understanding the nuances of Spanish verbs of becoming and practicing their use in context, you will be well on your way to mastering this essential aspect of Spanish grammar. Remember to consider the type of change you’re describing and to accurately conjugate the verb to match the subject and tense. With practice and dedication, you’ll soon be able to use Spanish verbs of becoming with confidence and ease.