transformarse

Transformarse is a Spanish pronominal verb meaning to undergo a transformation or to become a different state, form, or identity. It can describe changes that are physical, psychological, social, or conceptual. It is often used with the preposition en or with the construction transformarse en + sustantivo to indicate a metamorphosis or conversion to something else.

Etymology: transformarse comes from Latin transformare, formed from trans- “across” and formare “to form.” The reflexive form emphasizes the subject’s involvement in the change.

Conjugation and usage: Transformarse is a regular -ar verb in its reflexive forms. In the present indicative: me transformo, te transformas, se transforma, nos transformamos, os transformáis, se transforman. In the preterite: me transformé, te transformaste, se transformó, nos transformamos, os transformasteis, se transformaron. In the imperfect: me transformaba, te transformabas, se transformaba, nos transformábamos, os transformabais, se transformaban. In the present subjunctive: me transforme, te transformes, se transforme, nos transformemos, os transforméis, se transformen. The verb is commonly used with reflexive pronouns and can also appear in non-reflexive forms as transformar when not focusing on the subject’s change.

Examples and contexts: Metamorphosis in biology, as in "la oruga se transformó en mariposa." Personal development, such as "se transformó en una persona más abierta." Social, cultural, or technological changes may be described with transformarse, including figurative shifts in opinions, roles, or identities.

See also: transformación, metamorfosis, transformar.