Verbs of change: ponerse, volverse, hacerse, quedarse
B2Grammar path · Lesson 77 of 86 · Stage B2 · Advanced sentences
English uses one verb, 'become' or 'get', but Spanish chooses among four reflexive verbs depending on the kind of change. Use ponerse + adjective for quick, temporary changes of mood or color; volverse + adjective for a deep change in personality the person didn't choose; hacerse + noun/adjective for a change reached through effort, like a profession; and quedarse + adjective for the state left after an event, often a loss. The verb is always conjugated with its pronoun: me puse, se volvió. The classic mix-up is ponerse vs volverse: if the change will pass, use ponerse; if it changed who the person is, use volverse.
Practise this lesson · 9 sentences
Form
pronombre reflexivo + ponerse / volverse / hacerse / quedarse conjugado + adjetivo o sustantivono + pronombre reflexivo + verbo de cambio conjugado + adjetivo o sustantivo¿pronombre reflexivo + verbo de cambio conjugado + adjetivo o sustantivo?When to use it
Quick, temporary changes of mood or color
Use ponerse when a state changes suddenly and won't last, usually with adjectives that go with estar, like nervioso, contento, rojo.
Lasting changes in character or status
Volverse marks a deep change, often unwanted; hacerse marks a change reached through effort, such as a profession, religion or wealth.
The state left after an event
Quedarse describes the result of an event, often a loss or a sudden reaction like falling silent or being stunned.
Verbs of change
Signal words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ponerse and volverse?
Ponerse is for a quick, temporary change, as in se puso nervioso. Volverse is for a deep, lasting change in who someone is, as in se volvió egoísta.
When do I use hacerse?
Use hacerse when the change comes from the person's effort or choice, especially with professions, religion or wealth: se hizo médico, se hizo rico.
Does quedarse always mean 'to stay'?
No. With an adjective, quedarse means ending up in a state after something happens: se quedó sordo is 'went deaf', nos quedamos sorprendidos is 'we were left stunned'.
Can I drop the pronoun se with these verbs?
No. In the sense of 'become', all four verbs need the reflexive pronoun: me puse, te volviste, se hizo, nos quedamos.
Which verb do I use to say someone 'became' a profession?
Usually hacerse or llegar a ser with the profession noun: se hizo ingeniero. Ponerse is not used with nouns.