Exchange verbs: change verbs in Spanish

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 when I visit the 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 often particularly negative, often expressing the loss of something. Therefore, let go is the verb used to speak of physical disabilities. Examples:

  • My priest has gone bald.
    (My father went bald.)

  • Joseph remained for a month.
    (José was unemployed a month ago.)

  • 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 there is 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 has been assigned to be the president of the company.
    (Ana became president of the company.)

  • If she continues to train there, he will become a great soccer player.
    (If you keep training like this, you'll be a great football player.)

The verbs of “cambio” express changes and transformations.
The verbs of “cambio” express changes and transformations.

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 there is 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 paro.

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 

Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/espanhol/verbos-de-cambio.htm

Coffee: botanical characteristics, use and benefits

Coffee: botanical characteristics, use and benefits

O coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the whole planet and it is produced from coffee bea...

read more

Information Age. Geographic space in the Information Age

THE Information Age is a concept that concerns the current evolution of techniques and technical ...

read more

Allied Landing in Sicily

O landing of allied troops in Sicily was one of the chapters of Second World War and it took plac...

read more