convencer
to convince
[-ar verb, but with a stem change in some forms]
- Root: convenc-
- Regular -ar endings, but with a stem change: the "c" in convencer changes to "z" before "e" in the present tense for yo (and similar forms in related verbs).
- Used when someone persuades or convinces another person to accept an idea, opinion, or action.
Meaning and Usage
convencer means to convince or to persuade. It expresses the idea of making someone believe or accept something through argument, reasoning, or influence.
- The subject is the persuader; the person being convinced is the object (often preceded by "a" if personal).
- Typically used for influencing opinions, decisions, or beliefs.
Convencer means 'to convince'.
Example usages:
- Convencer a alguien de que... — To convince someone that...
- Me convences. — You convince me.
Conjugation Highlights
Present tense:
yo convenzo
tú convences
él/ella convence
nosotros convencemos
vosotros convencéis
ellos convencen
- Note the "z" in convenzo (yo) to keep the hard "c" sound before "e".
Preterite:
yo convencí
tú convenciste
él/ella convenció
nosotros convencimos
vosotros convencisteis
ellos convencieron
No stem changes—just regular -ar endings.
Imperfect:
convencía, convencías, convencía, convencíamos, convencíais, convencían
Regular -ar pattern.
Subjunctive (present):
que yo convenza, que tú convenzas, que él convenza, ...
The "z" appears again in subjunctive to maintain pronunciation.
The correct present tense form for 'I convince' is 'convenzo'.
Examples in Sentences
Present:
- Yo convenzo a mis amigos de estudiar.
- (I convince my friends to study.)
Preterite:
- Ella convenció al jefe de su idea.
- (She convinced the boss of her idea.)
Imperfect:
- Cuando éramos niños, convencíamos a nuestros padres para ver televisión.
- (When we were kids, we used to convince our parents to watch TV.)
Subjunctive:
- Espero que convenzas al comité.
- (I hope you convince the committee.)
Conclusion
Convencer is a key Spanish verb for expressing influence and persuasion, with a subtle spelling change that ensures correct pronunciation in its conjugations. Mastering convencer allows you to talk about changing minds—an essential part of communication.
- Meaning: to convince, persuade
- Special spelling: c → z before e in yo (and subjunctive)
- Use: When someone persuades another to accept an idea or action