At the A1 level, 'persuadir' might seem like a big word, but it's very useful. It simply means 'to get someone to do something'. Think of it as a fancy way of saying you want to change someone's mind. At this stage, you should focus on the basic idea: 'Yo quiero persuadir a mi amigo' (I want to persuade my friend). You use it when you are trying to be nice and give reasons why your friend should go to the park or eat a pizza with you. It is a 'regular' verb ending in -ir, so it follows the same patterns as 'vivir' or 'escribir'. Even though it's an A2 word, A1 learners can use it to sound more sophisticated. Remember to always put 'a' before the person you are talking to. For example, 'Persuadir a mamá'. It is about the power of your words to change what someone else thinks or does. You don't need complex grammar yet; just focus on 'persuadir a [persona]'.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'persuadir' in more complete sentences. You are learning how to connect ideas. This is the level where you use 'persuadir a alguien de algo'. For example, 'Mi hermano me persuadió de comprar este videojuego' (My brother persuaded me to buy this video game). You are now capable of explaining the *reason* or the *thing* you are persuading someone about. You will also see it in the past tense frequently, as we often talk about how we *were* persuaded by someone else. 'Me persuadieron' (They persuaded me). It's a great word for describing social interactions and small negotiations in daily life, like deciding where to go on vacation or which movie to watch. You are moving beyond simple 'wanting' to the 'process' of influence. Pay attention to the 'u' in the middle—it's not 'persadir', it's 'persuadir'.
By B1, you are expected to handle the nuances of 'persuadir' versus 'convencer'. You should understand that 'persuadir' often involves an emotional appeal or a rhetorical strategy. This is also where the 'para que' construction becomes important. 'Lo persuadí para que viniera a la fiesta' (I persuaded him to come to the party). Here, you must use the subjunctive mood ('viniera') because you are expressing an influence on someone else's actions. B1 learners should also be comfortable using 'persuadir' in professional contexts, such as 'persuadir a un cliente' or 'persuadir a un colega'. You are moving into the territory of 'influence' and 'negotiation'. You should also start recognizing the noun form 'persuasión' and the adjective 'persuasivo'. If someone is 'muy persuasivo', they are very good at changing people's minds. This level is about expanding the context and the grammatical complexity surrounding the verb.
At the B2 level, 'persuadir' is a key vocabulary item for debates and expressing opinions. You should be able to use it to describe complex social phenomena, like how advertising 'persuade al público' (persuades the public) or how politicians 'intentan persuadir a los votantes' (try to persuade voters). You should also be familiar with the passive voice: 'Fueron persuadidos por los argumentos del abogado'. At this level, you understand that 'persuadir' is not just a synonym for 'convencer', but a more specific term that implies a change in behavior or a call to action. You can use it in more abstract ways, like 'persuadir a la opinión pública'. Your sentences should be fluid and incorporate various tenses, including the conditional: 'Yo lo persuadiría si tuviera más tiempo' (I would persuade him if I had more time). You are now using the word to analyze the world around you, not just your personal life.
C1 learners use 'persuadir' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand the rhetorical weight of the word. You might use it in literary analysis or high-level business negotiations. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'persuadir', 'exhortar', and 'sugestionar'. For a C1 student, 'persuadir' is about the art of communication. You might discuss the 'estrategias de persuasión' used in a text or a speech. You are also proficient in using the verb with complex structures, such as 'persuadir a alguien de la conveniencia de algo'. You can use it to describe internal conflicts: 'Trataba de persuadirse a sí mismo de que todo saldría bien' (He tried to persuade himself that everything would turn out well). At this level, the word is a tool for deep psychological and social insight. You should be able to use it in any register, from a formal academic essay to a sophisticated social commentary.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'persuadir' and its place in the Spanish language's history and literature. You can discuss the etymological roots and how the concept of persuasion has evolved in Hispanic rhetoric. You use the word to explore philosophical questions about free will and influence. '¿Es posible persuadir a alguien sin manipularlo?' (Is it possible to persuade someone without manipulating them?). You are comfortable using 'persuadir' in the most formal and archaic contexts if necessary, and you can spot its misuse in others' speech. You understand the power of 'persuadir' in the context of 'poder blando' (soft power) in international relations. For a C2 speaker, 'persuadir' is more than a verb; it's a concept that encompasses psychology, linguistics, and ethics. You can weave it into complex, multi-clause sentences with perfect grammatical accuracy and a native-like sense of rhythm and tone.

persuadir in 30 Sekunden

  • Persuadir is a Spanish verb meaning to persuade or induce someone to act or believe something through reasoning.
  • It is commonly used with the structure 'persuadir a alguien de algo' or 'para que' followed by the subjunctive.
  • While similar to 'convencer', it often emphasizes an emotional or rhetorical appeal leading to a specific action.
  • It is a regular -ir verb and is essential for negotiations, marketing, and formal discussions in Spanish.

The Spanish verb persuadir is a powerful tool in the arsenal of communication, representing the act of moving someone to action or belief through the use of reason, emotion, or argument. While it is often used interchangeably with 'convencer' (to convince), 'persuadir' carries a specific nuance in the Spanish-speaking world: it frequently implies a call to action. To persuade someone is not just to change their mind, but to lead them toward a specific behavior or decision. This distinction is vital in professional, academic, and personal contexts where the end goal is more than mere agreement.

The Core Concept
At its heart, persuadir is about influence. It involves a process where one person provides evidence, appeals to logic, or touches upon emotions to alter the trajectory of another person's thoughts or deeds. In Spanish, this often follows the structure 'persuadir a alguien de algo' (to persuade someone of something) or 'persuadir a alguien para que haga algo' (to persuade someone to do something).
Social Dynamics
In Hispanic cultures, the art of persuasion is deeply tied to 'la palabra' (the word) and personal relationships. Persuasion isn't just about cold hard facts; it's about 'confianza' (trust). You persuade your friends to join you for dinner, you persuade your boss to consider a new strategy, and you persuade your family to support a life change. It is a social lubricant that facilitates cooperation without coercion.

El vendedor intentó persuadir al cliente de que el modelo más caro era mejor.

Translation: The salesman tried to persuade the customer that the more expensive model was better.

The verb functions as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object—the person being persuaded. Interestingly, the transition from 'convincing' (internal state) to 'persuading' (external action) is a common theme in Spanish literature and rhetoric. When a politician speaks, they aim to 'persuadir' the voters to go to the polls, not just 'convencer' them that their ideas are good. This active component makes 'persuadir' a high-stakes word in negotiations and marketing.

No fue fácil persuadir a mis padres para que me dejaran viajar solo.

In a broader sense, 'persuadir' is linked to the Latin 'persuadere', where 'per-' means 'thoroughly' and 'suadere' means 'to advise' or 'to urge'. Thus, to persuade is to thoroughly advise someone until they see your point of view. In modern Spanish, it maintains this sense of thoroughness and persistence. It is not a quick suggestion; it is a deliberate effort to change a mindset.

¿Cómo podemos persuadir a la audiencia de la importancia del reciclaje?

Persuadir vs. Convencer
While often used as synonyms, 'convencer' is more about logic and 'winning' an argument in the mind. 'Persuadir' is more about the use of rhetoric and emotion to drive a change in behavior. If you convince me, I believe you. If you persuade me, I act on that belief.

Ella tiene un don natural para persuadir a los demás sin que se den cuenta.

Es difícil persuadir a alguien que no quiere escuchar razones.

Using persuadir correctly requires attention to the prepositions that follow it. The most common construction is 'persuadir a [persona] de [algo]'. This structure ensures that both the target of the persuasion and the subject of the persuasion are clearly identified. For English speakers, the 'de' often translates to 'of' or 'about', but sometimes it is followed by an infinitive or a 'que' clause.

Structure 1: Persuadir a alguien de algo
This is the standard form when you are convincing someone about a fact or a specific thing. Example: 'Te persuadí de mi inocencia' (I persuaded you of my innocence).
Structure 2: Persuadir a alguien para que + Subjunctive
This is used when you want someone to perform an action. Because you are influencing someone else's will, the subjunctive mood is required. Example: 'Me persuadieron para que comprara el coche' (They persuaded me to buy the car).

Intentamos persuadir al director de que cambiara la política de la empresa.

In the past tense, 'persuadir' is a regular -ir verb. In the preterite, it becomes 'persuadí, persuadiste, persuadió, persuadimos, persuadisteis, persuadieron'. This regularity makes it easier to use in storytelling or when recounting past negotiations. For example, 'Logramos persuadir a la junta directiva tras tres horas de reunión' (We managed to persuade the board of directors after a three-hour meeting).

¿Lograste persuadir a tu jefe sobre el aumento de sueldo?

When using 'persuadir' in the passive voice, it often appears as 'ser persuadido por'. For example, 'El público fue persuadido por el carisma del orador' (The audience was persuaded by the speaker's charisma). This emphasizes the effect the subject had on the object. In everyday conversation, however, active voice is much more common.

No te dejes persuadir por sus falsas promesas.

Gerund and Participle
The gerund is 'persuadiendo' (persuading) and the past participle is 'persuadido' (persuaded). 'Estoy persuadiendo a mis amigos para ir a la playa' (I am persuading my friends to go to the beach).

Habiendo persuadido a todos, el plan se puso en marcha.

Es imposible persuadirla una vez que ha tomado una decisión.

You will encounter persuadir in a variety of high-impact settings. From the high-pressure world of advertising to the nuanced debates in a courtroom, 'persuadir' is the verb of choice when discussing the movement of people's wills. Unlike more casual verbs like 'decir' (to say) or 'pedir' (to ask), 'persuadir' implies a strategic and successful communication effort.

In Marketing and Sales
Marketing professionals in Spain and Latin America constantly speak about how to 'persuadir al consumidor'. You might hear this in business meetings: 'Nuestra campaña debe persuadir a los jóvenes de que nuestra marca es sostenible'. Here, the word is synonymous with effective communication and brand loyalty.
In Legal and Political Contexts
Lawyers aim to 'persuadir al jurado' (persuade the jury). In political commentary, you will hear analysts discuss a candidate's 'capacidad de persuasión' (ability to persuade). It is a hallmark of leadership and rhetorical skill.

El discurso fue diseñado para persuadir a los indecisos en las elecciones.

In everyday life, while 'convencer' is more frequent, 'persuadir' is used when the speaker wants to sound more formal, precise, or academic. For instance, a teacher might say to a student, 'Trata de persuadir a tus compañeros con argumentos, no con gritos'. It elevates the conversation from a simple 'get them to do what you want' to 'use the art of reasoning'.

La publicidad utiliza imágenes emocionales para persuadir al público.

In news reports, especially those covering international relations or diplomacy, 'persuadir' is used to describe the efforts of one nation to influence another's policy. 'El enviado especial intentó persuadir al gobierno de que firmara el tratado de paz'. This usage highlights the non-violent, communicative nature of the verb.

Es el trabajo del negociador persuadir a ambas partes para llegar a un acuerdo.

In Cinema and Television
In dubbed or original Spanish content, you'll hear 'persuadir' during scenes of interrogation or intense negotiation. It's a word that signals a turning point in a plot where a character's will is being tested.

Nadie pudo persuadir al héroe de abandonar su misión.

Su táctica para persuadir a los inversores fue brillante.

While persuadir is a relatively straightforward verb, learners often trip over its specific grammatical requirements and its proximity to 'convencer'. Understanding these pitfalls will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Omitting the Personal 'a'
Because 'persuadir' acts on a person, you must use the personal 'a'. Saying 'Persuadí mi hermano' is incorrect; it must be 'Persuadí a mi hermano'. This is a very common error for English speakers who translate directly from 'I persuaded my brother'.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the preposition 'de'
When you persuade someone *of* something, you need the 'de'. 'Lo persuadí que viniera' is often heard in casual speech (dequeísmo/queísmo issues), but the correct formal version is 'Lo persuadí de que viniera'.

Incorrecto: Intenté persuadir el jefe. Correcto: Intenté persuadir al jefe.

Another frequent error is confusing 'persuadir' with 'disuadir'. While 'persuadir' is to move someone *toward* an action, 'disuadir' is to move someone *away* from an action (to dissuade). Using the wrong one can completely flip the meaning of your sentence. For example, 'Lo persuadí de no ir' is technically possible but 'Lo disuadí de ir' is much more common and clearer.

No confundas persuadir (hacer algo) con disuadir (no hacer algo).

Learners also struggle with the subjunctive when using 'persuadir para que'. Because persuasion involves an attempt to influence another person's actions, the outcome is not a guaranteed fact, which triggers the subjunctive mood in Spanish. 'Te persuado para que estudies' (I persuade you so that you study), not 'estudias'.

Me persuadió para que aceptara el trabajo, aunque yo no quería.

The 'Convencer' Trap
Don't use 'persuadir' when you just mean 'to convince someone that a fact is true' in a casual way. 'Me convenciste de que la película es buena' is better than 'Me persuadiste de que la película es buena' unless you are now going to see the movie because of that persuasion.

Es un error común usar persuadir cuando solo hay un cambio de opinión sin acción.

Trató de persuadirme de que el riesgo valía la pena.

To truly master persuadir, you should understand its synonyms and how they differ in register and intensity. Spanish is a rich language with many ways to describe the act of influencing others.

Convencer
The most common alternative. Use 'convencer' when the influence is based on logic, evidence, or proofs. 'Te convencí con los datos' (I convinced you with the data).
Inducir
A more formal and sometimes clinical term. It means to lead someone to a certain state or action, often indirectly. 'Inducir al error' (to lead into error).
Seducir
While it can mean romantic seduction, in a rhetorical sense, it means to persuade through charm or attraction. 'Me sedujo su propuesta' (I was won over by his proposal).

A veces es mejor convencer con la razón que persuadir con la emoción.

In more informal settings, you might hear phrases like 'comerle el coco a alguien' (to wash someone's brain/to talk someone into something) or 'meter en la cabeza' (to put something in someone's head). These are much more colloquial and should be avoided in professional writing, but they capture the same spirit of 'persuadir'.

Su discurso logró captar la atención y persuadir a los inversores.

For the opposite effect, remember 'disuadir'. If 'persuadir' is the accelerator, 'disuadir' is the brake. 'Intenté persuadirlo de que comprara el libro, pero su padre lo disuadió'. This sentence shows both verbs in action, illustrating the tug-of-war of influence.

Es importante saber cuándo persuadir y cuándo simplemente informar.

Instigar
This has a negative connotation, like 'to egg on' or 'to incite'. You wouldn't use this for a positive persuasion, but rather for something mischievous or harmful.

La retórica es el arte de persuadir a través de la palabra.

No es fácil persuadir a un niño de que coma verduras.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'suadere' is also the ancestor of the English word 'suave', which originally meant 'sweet' or 'agreeable', implying that persuasion is ideally done in a sweet or agreeable manner.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /peɾ.swaˈðiɾ/
US /peɾ.swaˈðiɾ/
The stress is on the final syllable: per-sua-DIR.
Reimt sich auf
vivir escribir dormir pedir sentir abrir subir reír
Häufige Fehler
  • Stressing the second syllable (per-SUA-dir).
  • Pronouncing the 'u' and 'a' as separate syllables instead of a diphthong.
  • Making the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
  • Aspirating the 'p' at the beginning.
  • Americanizing the final 'r'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English 'persuade'.

Schreiben 4/5

Tricky due to the required prepositions 'a' and 'de'.

Sprechen 3/5

Requires practice with the 'sua' diphthong and final stress.

Hören 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

convencer hablar querer decir razón

Als Nächstes lernen

disuadir exhortar rhetórica argumentar influir

Fortgeschritten

elocuencia dialéctica sofisma convincente disuasorio

Wichtige Grammatik

The Personal 'a'

Persuadir a María.

Prepositional Verbs

Persuadir de algo.

Subjunctive with Influence

Persuadir para que venga.

Diphthongs

The 'ua' in persuadir is one syllable.

Direct Object Pronouns

Lo persuadí (I persuaded him).

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Yo trato de persuadir a mi amigo.

I try to persuade my friend.

Uses the personal 'a' before the object 'mi amigo'.

2

Ella quiere persuadir a su madre.

She wants to persuade her mother.

The verb 'querer' is followed by the infinitive 'persuadir'.

3

Nosotros persuadimos a los niños.

We persuade the children.

Present tense, first person plural.

4

Él intenta persuadir a su perro.

He tries to persuade his dog.

The object can be an animal, still using 'a'.

5

¿Puedes persuadir a Juan?

Can you persuade Juan?

Question form using 'poder' + infinitive.

6

Ellos persuaden a la gente.

They persuade the people.

Third person plural present tense.

7

No es fácil persuadir a Ana.

It is not easy to persuade Ana.

Use of 'ser' + adjective + infinitive.

8

Yo persuado a mi hermano hoy.

I persuade my brother today.

First person singular present tense.

1

Me persuadió de ir al cine.

He persuaded me to go to the movies.

Preterite tense with the preposition 'de'.

2

Intentamos persuadir al profesor de la fecha.

We tried to persuade the teacher about the date.

Verb 'intentar' in preterite.

3

¿Cómo vas a persuadir a tus padres?

How are you going to persuade your parents?

Future construction 'ir a' + infinitive.

4

Ella me persuadió con un regalo.

She persuaded me with a gift.

Using 'con' to show the means of persuasion.

5

No pudieron persuadir al cliente.

They couldn't persuade the client.

Negative preterite of 'poder'.

6

Estamos persuadiendo a los vecinos.

We are persuading the neighbors.

Present progressive 'estar' + gerund.

7

Él me persuadió de que era verdad.

He persuaded me that it was true.

Use of 'de que' before a clause.

8

Quiero persuadirte de algo importante.

I want to persuade you of something important.

Pronoun 'te' attached to the infinitive.

1

Lo persuadí para que aceptara el trato.

I persuaded him to accept the deal.

Requires the past subjunctive 'aceptara'.

2

Ella siempre logra persuadir a su jefe.

She always manages to persuade her boss.

Verb 'lograr' followed by the infinitive.

3

No me persuadirás tan fácilmente.

You won't persuade me so easily.

Future tense of 'persuadir'.

4

Es difícil persuadir a alguien tan terco.

It's hard to persuade someone so stubborn.

Adjective 'terco' describing the object.

5

Me persuadieron de que buscara ayuda.

They persuaded me to seek help.

Preterite + 'de que' + subjunctive.

6

¿Has intentado persuadirlo de otra manera?

Have you tried persuading him in another way?

Present perfect tense.

7

La publicidad intenta persuadirnos cada día.

Advertising tries to persuade us every day.

Object pronoun 'nos' attached to the infinitive.

8

Si me persuades, iré contigo.

If you persuade me, I will go with you.

First conditional structure.

1

El orador persuadió a la audiencia con su carisma.

The speaker persuaded the audience with his charisma.

Preterite tense with a collective noun object.

2

Fue persuadido por la lógica de los hechos.

He was persuaded by the logic of the facts.

Passive voice construction.

3

Debemos persuadir a los inversores de la viabilidad del proyecto.

We must persuade the investors of the project's viability.

Modal verb 'deber' + infinitive.

4

Nada pudo persuadirlo de cambiar su opinión.

Nothing could persuade him to change his opinion.

Negative subject 'nada'.

5

Ella tiene una gran capacidad para persuadir a los demás.

She has a great ability to persuade others.

Noun 'capacidad' followed by 'para' + infinitive.

6

Se persuadió a sí mismo de que era lo correcto.

He persuaded himself that it was the right thing.

Reflexive use 'se persuadió a sí mismo'.

7

Intentarán persuadir al gobierno de bajar los impuestos.

They will try to persuade the government to lower taxes.

Future tense of 'intentar'.

8

Habiendo persuadido al jurado, el abogado ganó el caso.

Having persuaded the jury, the lawyer won the case.

Perfect participle construction.

1

La retórica busca persuadir mediante el uso estético del lenguaje.

Rhetoric seeks to persuade through the aesthetic use of language.

Abstract subject and formal register.

2

No es fácil persuadir a una masa enfurecida.

It's not easy to persuade an enraged crowd.

Use of 'masa' as a collective object.

3

El diplomático persuadió a las partes de firmar el armisticio.

The diplomat persuaded the parties to sign the armistice.

Formal vocabulary like 'armisticio'.

4

Su discurso estaba lleno de falacias para persuadir a los incautos.

His speech was full of fallacies to persuade the unwary.

Use of 'incautos' (unwary/naive people).

5

Persuadir de la necesidad de un cambio estructural es nuestra prioridad.

Persuading of the need for structural change is our priority.

Infinitive acting as the subject of the sentence.

6

A pesar de sus esfuerzos, no logró persuadir a la crítica.

Despite his efforts, he failed to persuade the critics.

Connector 'A pesar de'.

7

La obra intenta persuadir al lector sobre la fragilidad de la vida.

The work attempts to persuade the reader about the fragility of life.

Literary context.

8

Ella empleó toda su elocuencia para persuadir a la asamblea.

She used all her eloquence to persuade the assembly.

Formal noun 'elocuencia'.

1

La dialéctica no solo convence, sino que aspira a persuadir la voluntad.

Dialectics doesn't just convince, but aspires to persuade the will.

Philosophical distinction between mind and will.

2

Resulta arduo persuadir a quien ha hecho del prejuicio su bandera.

It is arduous to persuade someone who has made prejudice their banner.

Sophisticated syntax and metaphorical language.

3

El autor persuade al lector de la inevitabilidad del destino trágico.

The author persuades the reader of the inevitability of tragic fate.

High-level literary analysis.

4

Se requiere una sutileza extrema para persuadir sin que se perciba la intención.

Extreme subtlety is required to persuade without the intention being perceived.

Impersonal 'se' and subjunctive 'perciba'.

5

Persuadir a la posteridad de su inocencia fue su único anhelo.

Persuading posterity of his innocence was his only desire.

Abstract object 'la posteridad'.

6

La propaganda política se afana en persuadir a través de la repetición constante.

Political propaganda strives to persuade through constant repetition.

Verb 'afanarse en'.

7

No hay mayor victoria que persuadir al enemigo de la inutilidad de la lucha.

There is no greater victory than persuading the enemy of the futility of the fight.

Comparative structure 'No hay mayor... que'.

8

La sofística fue criticada por persuadir sin atender a la verdad.

Sophistry was criticized for persuading without attending to the truth.

Historical/philosophical reference.

Häufige Kollokationen

persuadir a alguien
persuadir de que
lograr persuadir
capacidad de persuadir
intentar persuadir
poder de persuasión
difícil de persuadir
fácil de persuadir
persuadir con argumentos
persuadir mediante

Häufige Phrasen

Tratar de persuadir

— To try to persuade someone. Used in almost any context.

Estoy tratando de persuadir a mi padre.

No me vas a persuadir

— A definitive way to say 'You won't change my mind'.

No me vas a persuadir de lo contrario.

Lograr persuadir a alguien

— To successfully change someone's mind or behavior.

Por fin logró persuadir a su esposa.

Persuadir a la opinión pública

— A common phrase in news and politics regarding influencing the masses.

El gobierno busca persuadir a la opinión pública.

Persuadir para bien

— To persuade someone for their own good or a positive outcome.

Lo persuadí para bien, para que estudiara.

Persuadir de lo contrario

— To persuade someone to think the opposite of what they currently think.

Nadie pudo persuadirlo de lo contrario.

Dotes de persuasión

— Persuasion skills or talents.

Tiene grandes dotes de persuasión.

Persuadir con el ejemplo

— To persuade others through one's own actions rather than words.

Un líder debe persuadir con el ejemplo.

Ser fácil de persuadir

— To be gullible or easily influenced.

Él es muy fácil de persuadir por sus amigos.

Persuadir a base de...

— To persuade by means of something repetitive or intense.

Lo persuadió a base de insistencia.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

persuadir vs convencer

Convencer is more about logic; persuadir is more about emotion and action.

persuadir vs disuadir

Disuadir is the opposite (to talk out of).

persuadir vs manipular

Manipular implies a lack of ethics; persuadir is generally neutral or positive.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Comerle el coco a alguien"

— To talk someone into something or brainwash them. Very informal.

Le comieron el coco para que vendiera su casa.

slang
"Meter en la cabeza"

— To fix an idea in someone's mind. Can be used for persuasion.

Le metieron en la cabeza que era un genio.

informal
"Llevar al huerto"

— To deceive or persuade someone to do something for one's own benefit.

El vendedor me llevó al huerto y compré el coche caro.

informal
"Hacer ver"

— To make someone see/understand something. A gentler form of persuasion.

Le hice ver que estaba equivocado.

neutral
"Poner los puntos sobre las íes"

— To clarify things, often used as a prelude to persuasion or correction.

Tuve que poner los puntos sobre las íes para persuadirlo.

informal
"Darle la vuelta a la tortilla"

— To turn the tables, often used in arguments to persuade the other side.

Le dio la vuelta a la tortilla y me persuadió a mí.

informal
"Caer en la red"

— To fall into a trap or be fully persuaded by a deceptive argument.

Cayó en la red de sus mentiras persuasivas.

informal
"Vender la moto"

— To talk someone into buying a lie or a bad deal.

Me quiso vender la moto, pero no me persuadió.

slang
"Hacer mella"

— To make an impression or have an effect, often used when persuasion starts to work.

Mis palabras empezaron a hacer mella en él.

neutral
"Ganarse a alguien"

— To win someone over.

Se ganó a los votantes con sus promesas.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

persuadir vs disuadir

They sound similar and both deal with influence.

Persuadir is 'to do'; disuadir is 'to NOT do'. Persuadir encourages, disuadir prevents.

Persuadí a Juan de ir, pero su madre lo disuadió.

persuadir vs convencer

They are often used as synonyms in English.

Convencer focuses on the mind (belief); persuadir focuses on the will (action).

Me convenció de que tenía razón, y luego me persuadió de ayudarle.

persuadir vs incitar

Both involve moving someone to action.

Incitar is more aggressive and often implies something negative or impulsive.

Lo incitó a la violencia.

persuadir vs exhortar

Both are formal ways to influence.

Exhortar is much more formal and often carries a moral or authoritative weight.

El cura exhortó a los fieles a la caridad.

persuadir vs sugestionar

Both deal with mental influence.

Sugestionar is often subconscious or psychological; persuadir is conscious and reasoned.

La película me sugestionó mucho.

Satzmuster

A1

Sujeto + persuadir + a + Persona

Yo persuado a mi amigo.

A2

Sujeto + persuadir + a + Persona + de + Sustantivo

Ella persuadió a Juan de la idea.

B1

Sujeto + persuadir + a + Persona + para que + Subjuntivo

Ellos nos persuadieron para que fuéramos.

B2

Pasiva: Persona + ser persuadido + por + Agente

El público fue persuadido por el anuncio.

C1

Infinitivo como sujeto + de + Sustantivo

Persuadir a los demás de la verdad es difícil.

C2

Sujeto + se afana en + persuadir + a + Persona

El orador se afana en persuadir a la multitud.

B1

Sujeto + lograr + persuadir + a + Persona

Logré persuadir a mi jefe.

A2

Sujeto + no poder + persuadir + a + Persona

No pude persuadir a mi madre.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

persuasión (persuasion)
persuasivo (persuasive person/thing)
persuasiva (persuasive power)

Verben

persuadir (to persuade)

Adjektive

persuasivo (persuasive)
persuadido (persuaded)
persuasible (persuadable)

Verwandt

disuadir
convencer
suasorio
disuasión
disuasivo

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in formal speech, media, and professional environments. Moderate in casual daily talk.

Häufige Fehler
  • Persuadir mi amigo. Persuadir a mi amigo.

    In Spanish, the personal 'a' is required before a direct object that is a specific person.

  • Lo persuadí que fuera. Lo persuadí de que fuera.

    The verb 'persuadir' requires the preposition 'de' before a 'que' clause.

  • Él me persuadió para ir. Él me persuadió de ir / para que fuera.

    While 'para ir' is sometimes used, 'de ir' is more standard after 'persuadir'.

  • Persuadir a alguien no hacer algo. Disuadir a alguien de hacer algo.

    Use 'disuadir' for the negative action instead of 'persuadir' + 'no'.

  • Me persuadí que era verdad. Me persuadí de que era verdad.

    Even in reflexive use, the 'de' is necessary.

Tipps

The Personal 'a'

Never forget the 'a' when the object is a person. 'Persuadir a mis amigos' is the only correct way.

Action vs. Belief

Use 'persuadir' when you want someone to *do* something. Use 'convencer' when you want them to *think* something.

Formal Contexts

In a job interview or a formal essay, 'persuadir' sounds much more sophisticated than 'hacer que alguien haga algo'.

Diphthong Practice

The 'ua' in persuadir is a quick slide from 'u' to 'a'. Don't pause between them.

Preposition 'de'

When followed by a 'que' clause, always use 'de que'. 'Te persuado de que es mejor así'.

News Buzzword

Listen for this word in political news; it's a favorite of commentators discussing diplomacy.

Reflexive Use

You can 'persuadirte a ti mismo' (persuade yourself) when talking about making a difficult internal decision.

Register Check

If 'persuadir' feels too heavy, 'convencer' is your safe, neutral alternative for almost any situation.

Root Connection

Connect it to the English 'suave'. A suave person is good at persuading others.

Subjunctive Alert

Remember: 'persuadir para que' ALWAYS triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Persuading' someone to buy a 'Suade' (Suede) jacket. It sounds like the 'sua' in persuadir.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a silver-tongued speaker (rhetorician) with a golden 'P' on their chest, gently leading a group of people toward a bright light (the goal).

Word Web

persuadir convencer hablar razón emoción acción influencia disuadir

Herausforderung

Try to write three sentences persuading a friend to try a new Spanish dish, using 'persuadir' in three different tenses.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin 'persuadere', formed by the prefix 'per-' (thoroughly) and the verb 'suadere' (to advise, urge, or recommend).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To thoroughly advise or recommend until someone is convinced.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to confuse persuasion with manipulation ('manipulación'), which has a negative connotation.

English speakers often use 'convince' for both belief and action. In Spanish, 'persuadir' is more specific to action.

Don Quixote often tries to persuadir Sancho Panza of the reality of his fantasies. The movie '12 Angry Men' is a masterclass in how to persuadir a jury. Cicero's works on rhetoric are the foundation of 'la persuasión' in Western thought.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Marketing

  • Persuadir al consumidor
  • Estrategias para persuadir
  • Publicidad persuasiva
  • Persuadir de la compra

Politics

  • Persuadir a los votantes
  • Discurso para persuadir
  • Persuadir a la oposición
  • Capacidad de persuadir

Legal

  • Persuadir al jurado
  • Persuadir al juez
  • Persuadir de la inocencia
  • Persuadir mediante pruebas

Education

  • Persuadir a los alumnos
  • Persuadir con lógica
  • Persuadir de estudiar
  • Persuadir sobre valores

Personal Relationships

  • Persuadir a un amigo
  • Persuadir a la familia
  • Persuadir de salir
  • Persuadir de cambiar

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que persuadir a alguien de algo muy difícil?"

"¿Qué técnicas usas para persuadir a tus amigos cuando quieres ir a un restaurante?"

"¿Crees que es fácil persuadir a la gente hoy en día con las redes sociales?"

"¿Quién es la persona más difícil de persuadir que conoces?"

"En tu trabajo, ¿tienes que persuadir a clientes o jefes a menudo?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe una situación en la que lograste persuadir a alguien de cambiar de opinión. ¿Qué argumentos usaste?

Escribe sobre una vez que alguien te persuadió de hacer algo de lo que te arrepentiste después.

¿Cuál es la diferencia, para ti, entre persuadir y manipular a una persona?

Si tuvieras que persuadir al mundo de una sola cosa, ¿cuál sería y cómo lo harías?

Analiza un anuncio publicitario que te haya persuadido de comprar algo recientemente.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

La diferencia principal es que 'convencer' apela a la lógica y a la mente, mientras que 'persuadir' apela a las emociones y busca una acción concreta. Por ejemplo, puedes convencer a alguien de que fumar es malo, pero persuadirlo de que deje de fumar requiere algo más.

Lo correcto es usar la preposición 'de': 'persuadir de que'. Omitir el 'de' es un error gramatical llamado queísmo, aunque es común en el habla informal.

Es un verbo regular de la tercera conjugación (-ir). En el pretérito perfecto simple es: yo persuadí, tú persuadiste, él/ella persuadió, nosotros persuadimos, vosotros persuadisteis, ellos/ellas persuadieron.

Sí, es más formal que 'convencer'. Se usa mucho en contextos académicos, profesionales y literarios.

Sí, puedes decir 'Intenté persuadir a mi gato de que bajara del árbol', aunque se usa más frecuentemente con personas capaces de razonar.

Generalmente 'a' (para la persona) y 'de' (para el tema) o 'para' (para la acción). Ejemplo: 'Persuadir a alguien de algo' o 'Persuadir a alguien para que haga algo'.

No necesariamente, pero no tiene la carga negativa de 'manipular'. Es un término neutral que depende del contexto y la intención del hablante.

Se dice 'persuasivo' para el masculino y 'persuasiva' para el femenino. Ejemplo: 'Un discurso muy persuasivo'.

El antónimo más directo es 'disuadir', que significa inducir a alguien a desistir de un propósito o a no hacer algo.

No en su forma infinitiva, ya que es una palabra aguda terminada en 'r'. Sin embargo, algunas formas conjugadas sí la llevan, como 'persuadió' o 'persuadiré'.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a simple sentence: 'I persuade my friend.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence: 'He persuaded me to go.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using the subjunctive: 'I persuaded him to study.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about marketing and persuasion.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe the difference between 'convencer' and 'persuadir'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'She wants to persuade her mom.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'We are persuading the neighbors.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'They persuaded me that it was true.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use the passive voice: 'He was persuaded by her.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a philosophical sentence about persuasion.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'Can you persuade Juan?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'I persuaded my brother with a gift.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'If you persuade me, I will go.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'She has a great ability to persuade.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'Rhetoric seeks to persuade through language.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'I don't want to persuade him.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'They couldn't persuade the client.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'Have you tried persuading him?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'Nothing could persuade him.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'It is arduous to persuade a prejudiced person.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Yo persuado a mi amigo.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Me persuadió de ir.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Lo persuadí para que viniera.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Es muy persuasiva.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'La retórica busca persuadir.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Persuadir a mamá.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: '¿Puedes persuadirlo?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'No me persuadirás.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Fue persuadido por el carisma.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Persuadir la voluntad.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Él me persuade.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Nos persuadieron.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Si me persuades, voy.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Intentamos persuadir al jefe.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Capacidad de persuasión.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Persuadir es difícil.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Me persuadió de que sí.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Trata de persuadirla.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'La publicidad persuade.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Arduo es persuadir.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Te persuado de ir.' ¿Qué dije?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Me persuadió para que lo hiciera.' ¿Qué usé?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'La persuasión es clave.' ¿De qué hablo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'El orador persuadió a todos.' ¿Quién lo hizo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Persuadir a Juan.' ¿A quién?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'No pude persuadirlo.' ¿Pude?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Si me persuades...' ¿Qué falta?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Fue persuadido.' ¿Voz activa o pasiva?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Dotes de persuasión.' ¿Qué tiene?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Persuadir la posteridad.' ¿Cuándo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Yo persuado.' ¿Quién?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Me persuadió de comprar.' ¿Qué hice?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'No me persuadirás.' ¿Cuándo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'La publicidad nos persuade.' ¿Quién nos influye?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Persuadir mediante el ejemplo.' ¿Cómo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

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