"Convertirse," "Hacerse," "Volverse," and "Ponerse"

Quick Answer

Convertirse, hacerse , volverse, and ponersecan all be translated as to become, and all four verbs express some sort of change, but there are important differences between them in terms of context. Let's learn a bit more about each one!

Convertirse

Convertirse is followed by the preposition enand a noun and indicates a quick and radical change, often in the biology of something. Transformarsecan also be used in this context.

For example:

examples
La historia trata de un príncipe que se convirtió en rana. The story is about a prince who became a frog.
La oruga se transformó en mariposa. The caterpillar became a butterfly.

Hacerse

Hacerse is followed by a noun or adjective and is used to talk about personal, professional, or social evolution or some sort of development that the subject of the sentence decides to realize. Llegar a sermay also be used in this context, but puts a greater emphasis on the long amount of time and effort required to undergo the change.

examples
Abel decidió hacerse actor de teatro. Abel decided to become a theater actor.
Después de muchos años, llegó a ser director ejecutivo de la empresa. After many years, he became the CEO of the company.

Volverse

Volverse is followed by an adjective and is used to talk about permanent changes to someone or something's personality, behavior, appearance, etc.

For example:

examples
Carla se ha vuelto un poco egocéntrica. Carla has become a bit self-centered.
El líder se volvió extremadamente autoritario. The leader became extremely authoritarian.

Ponerse

Ponerse is followed by an adjective and is used to express temporary changes that are involuntary and/or spontaneous.

Let's check out some examples!

examples
Elisa se puso muy nerviosa cuando dio su presentación. Elisa became very nervous when she gave her presentation.
Mi madre se puso enferma cuando llegó el invierno. When winter came, my mother became sick.