the verbs of exchange, or change verbs in Spanish, consist, in the Spanish language, of a series of verbs used to express changes and transformations in some aspects that characterize people and things, such as physical appearance, mood and personality. the verbs of exchange most used are:
poserse;
to fall in love;
reverse;
convert into;
to do;
to be.
Read too: Spanish Defective Verbs – What Are They and How to Use?
Main verbs of exchange
the verbs of exchange most used in the Spanish language are:
pose |
let go |
turn around |
convert into |
do it |
get to be |
It is not possible to translate literally one by one into Portuguese, because these verbs assume specific meanings when used to express changes. In Portuguese, they are usually translated by the verbs “get”, “virar” or “become”, as we will see in examples later.
Each of the verbs of exchange prints different hues to the changes they express. These changes can be temporal or permanent, rapid or progressive, voluntary or involuntary and positive or negative.
Let's see, below, the type of change that each verb expresses.
Ponersis
The verb pose, when used with adjectives, expresses a rapid and temporal change in a person's physical appearance, health, personality or mood. Such change is often involuntary and can be either positive or negative. Examples:
Pongo nerviosa cuando voy al dentist.
(I get nervous when I go to the dentist.)Se puso rojo al climb al escenario.
(He turned red when he took the stage.)hang on
The verb let go also can be used with adjectives and expresses a change in physical appearance or personality expressly brought about by a previous action or situation. That change can be temporary or definitive (depending on the context), it's always involuntary and it is usually particularly negative, often expressing the loss of something. Therefore, let go is the verb used to talk about physical disabilities. Examples:
My priest has gone bald.
(My father went bald.)Joseph remained for a month.
(José was unemployed a month ago.)
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
back
The verb turn around é used with adjectives and also with article + substantive. The change he expresses is fast and permanent in a person, usually in their personality. This change is not the result of an express decision made by the individual, so it is involuntary. Examples:
If he has a very aggressive persona.
(He has become a very aggressive person.)He moved loco to lose his wife.
(He went mad when he lost his wife.)convert into
The verb convert é always accompanied by prepositionen, always followed by a noun or noun adjective. Such a verb expresses a radical and unexpected change in a person or thing and there is permanent character. convert into it presupposes an important transformation that may be voluntary or the result of circumstances surrounding the individual. Example:
The prince was converted into a ratón by the hechizo de la bruja.
(The prince turned into a mouse by the witch's spell.)
To express a change in religion or ideology, use the verb convert with the preposition The, rather than en. Example:
He has converted to Buddhism a little while ago.
(She converted to Buddhism recently.)
make sure
make sure é the verb of exchange more complex of all, because it has many different hues. Its main feature is that its focus is mainly on the transformation process., instead of the final result. The change he expresses is always progressive and permanent. When used with nouns or adjectives related to professions, ideologies, religions, nationalities or economic positions, it indicates a voluntary change, the product of the individual's decision. Examples:
Paul if there is hecho Colombian.
(Paul became Colombian.)Pedro is rich thanks to his inventions.
(Pedro became rich thanks to his inventions.)
When do it é followed by an adjective indicating degrees of a certain attribute, such as "young", "old", "heavy" or "light", it can be used for both people and things and expresses an involuntary change, resulting from a natural process of evolution. Example:
We are making mayores.
(We are getting old.)
See too: Reflexive verbs in Spanish – formation and uses
Become
On the contrary do it, get to be focuses especially on the result of the change.. It is always accompanied by a noun or adjective and expresses a progressive and permanent transformation which aims to improve some aspect - being, therefore, always positive -, involving some effort on the part of the individual. Examples:
Ana is assigned to be the president of the company.
(Ana became president of the company.)If she continues to train there, she will become a great soccer player.
(If she keeps training like that, she'll be a great soccer player.)
solved exercises
Choose the verb of exchange most appropriate for each situation:
Question 1 - The author ( ) muy popular con su last book.
a) if there is puesto
b) if it has fallen
c) if there is a veil
Resolution
AlternativeC, if she has a veil, as it expresses an involuntary and permanent change.
Question 2 - The prices of living in this city ( ) very expensive.
a) if han puesto
b) if han hecho
d) if he has been converted
Resolution
AlternativeA, if han puesto, as it expresses a temporal change.
Question 3 - The actress ( ) winner of the Oscars.
a) if it has fallen
b) is supposed to be
c) has been converted
Resolution
AlternativeB, has got to be, as it implies personal effort.
Question 4 - My brother has lost his job and ( ) in stop.
a) if there is puesto
b) if it has fallen
c) if there is a veil
Resolution
Alternative B, if it has fallen, as it expresses an involuntary and expressly negative change.
Question 5 - My novio ( ) al islam.
a) if you fell
b) if it evolved
c) has become
Resolution
AlternativeC,converted, as it expresses a change of religion.
By Diego Guimarães Gontijo
Spanish teacher
