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A2 verb 10 min read

tornar-se

Examples tornar-se in 30 Seconds
Explanation tornar-se in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just beginning to describe the world around you. While 'tornar-se' is a bit advanced for a total beginner, you can start by understanding it as a way to say 'to become'. Think of it as a more permanent version of 'ficar'. For example, if you want to say 'I want to become a doctor', you would say 'Eu quero me tornar médico'. At this stage, focus on the present tense 'eu me torno' and the idea of professions. It is important to remember the little word 'me' or 'se' that goes with the verb. Without it, the sentence doesn't work. You can use it to talk about simple goals and big changes in your life. Don't worry too much about all the complex rules yet; just try to memorize a few key phrases like 'se tornar amigo' (to become a friend) or 'se tornar professor' (to become a teacher). This will help you express your future dreams and ambitions in a natural way.
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At the A2 level, you should start using 'tornar-se' more frequently to describe personal and professional growth. You are now moving beyond just 'ser' (to be) and 'estar' (to be) and starting to describe transitions. You will often use 'tornar-se' in the past tense (Preterite) to talk about things that have already happened. For instance, 'Ela se tornou minha melhor amiga' (She became my best friend). Notice that we don't usually need the word 'um' or 'uma' (a/an) before a profession when using this verb, just like with 'ser'. You should also be aware of the difference between Brazilian Portuguese ('se tornou') and European Portuguese ('tornou-se'). At this level, you can also use it with simple adjectives to describe changes in the weather or environment, such as 'O dia se tornou frio' (The day became cold), although 'ficou' is also very common for this. Practice connecting 'tornar-se' with nouns to describe identities and roles.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'tornar-se' to describe more complex situations and abstract changes. You should be comfortable using it in various tenses, including the future and the imperfect. For example, 'Antigamente, tornar-se um artista era muito difícil' (In the past, becoming an artist was very difficult). You will also start to see it used in more formal contexts, such as news articles or business emails. This is a good time to contrast 'tornar-se' with 'ficar' and 'virar'. Remember that 'tornar-se' implies a meaningful and often permanent change. You might say 'A situação se tornou complicada' (The situation became complicated) to show that the complexity is now a defining feature of the situation. You should also start paying attention to pronoun placement in negative sentences and after certain conjunctions, like 'que'. For example, 'Eu espero que você se torne feliz' (I hope you become happy). This level is about nuance and choosing the right verb for the right degree of change.
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At the B2 level, your use of 'tornar-se' should be precise and sophisticated. You should understand how it fits into the broader category of 'verbs of change' (verbos de mudança). You will use it to discuss social trends, economic shifts, and psychological developments. For example, 'Com a globalização, o mercado tornou-se extremamente competitivo' (With globalization, the market became extremely competitive). You should also be able to use the verb in the subjunctive mood with ease, reflecting desires, doubts, or hypothetical situations. Furthermore, you can explore the use of 'tornar-se' in passive-like constructions or when discussing the evolution of concepts. At this level, you should rarely make mistakes with reflexive pronouns and should be able to switch between Brazilian and European placement if necessary. You can also start using 'tornar-se' with more advanced vocabulary, such as 'tornar-se obsoleto' (to become obsolete) or 'tornar-se indispensável' (to become indispensable). Your ability to use this verb will reflect your overall fluency and command of Portuguese syntax.
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At the C1 level, 'tornar-se' is a tool for stylistic expression and precise argumentation. You will use it to describe philosophical transformations, subtle shifts in political climate, and the evolution of complex systems. You should be able to distinguish between 'tornar-se', 'converter-se', 'transformar-se', and 'passar a ser' with high accuracy, choosing the one that best fits the semantic requirements of your sentence. For example, you might use 'tornar-se' to describe a person's character development in a literary analysis: 'O protagonista torna-se a personificação da desilusão' (The protagonist becomes the personification of disillusionment). You should also be comfortable with the verb in all its literary forms, including the pluperfect or the future subjunctive. At this level, you can use 'tornar-se' to create rhythm and emphasis in your writing. You will also recognize its use in idioms and fixed expressions that are common in high-level academic and professional discourse. Your use of the verb should feel natural, effortless, and perfectly integrated into the flow of your speech or writing.
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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'tornar-se' and its myriad nuances. You use it with the same flexibility and intuition as a highly educated native speaker. You can use it to express the most subtle of changes, often employing it in complex, multi-clause sentences where pronoun placement is dictated by high-level stylistic rules. You are aware of its historical roots and how its usage has evolved in different Lusophone cultures. You might use it in poetic contexts or to describe ontological shifts in meaning. For instance, 'A palavra, no contexto do poema, torna-se um silêncio eloquente' (The word, in the context of the poem, becomes an eloquent silence). You can navigate the differences between formal European legal Portuguese and informal Brazilian slang without hesitation. Your command of 'tornar-se' allows you to articulate the finest distinctions between being and becoming, essence and appearance, and process and result. At this level, the verb is no longer a grammar point to be remembered, but a versatile instrument for sophisticated communication and profound expression.
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Examples

tornar-se in 30 Seconds

  • The verb 'tornar-se' is the primary way to express 'to become' in Portuguese, focusing on significant and lasting transformations in state or identity.
  • It is a reflexive verb, meaning it must always be accompanied by pronouns like 'me', 'te', 'se', or 'nos' to be grammatically correct.
  • In Brazilian Portuguese, the pronoun usually comes before the verb (se tornar), while in European Portuguese, it usually follows (tornar-se).
  • It is more formal than 'virar' and more permanent than 'ficar', making it ideal for professional, social, and physical milestones.

The Portuguese verb tornar-se is a fundamental linguistic tool used to describe transformation, evolution, and the process of changing from one state, profession, or condition into another. While English often uses the simple verb 'to become', Portuguese speakers utilize tornar-se to convey a sense of a completed or significant transition. It is a pronominal verb, meaning it always requires a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) that agrees with the subject. This verb is particularly prevalent in formal writing, literature, and news reporting, though it is also common in daily conversation when discussing life changes or professional growth. Understanding tornar-se is essential for moving beyond basic descriptions of 'being' (ser/estar) and into the realm of 'becoming'.

Professional Evolution
Used when someone completes their studies or rises through the ranks. For example, 'Ela tornou-se médica' (She became a doctor).
Abstract Changes
Used for situations or feelings that shift over time. For example, 'A situação tornou-se insuportável' (The situation became unbearable).
Physical Transformation
Describes biological or material changes. For example, 'A lagarta tornou-se borboleta' (The caterpillar became a butterfly).

In Brazilian Portuguese, the reflexive pronoun often precedes the verb (se tornar), whereas in European Portuguese, it typically follows the verb with a hyphen (tornar-se). This distinction is vital for learners to sound natural in their chosen dialect. Furthermore, tornar-se implies a more permanent or profound change than the verb ficar, which often denotes temporary emotional states or physical conditions. If you say 'ele ficou triste', he became sad (temporarily). If you say 'ele tornou-se uma pessoa triste', he became a sad person (a deeper, more lasting change in character).

Depois de anos de estudo, ele finalmente conseguiu tornar-se um advogado respeitado.

Com o passar do tempo, as nossas conversas tornaram-se mais frequentes.

O pequeno vilarejo tornou-se uma cidade vibrante e moderna.

A tecnologia tornou-se uma parte essencial das nossas vidas diárias.

Espero que este projeto se torne um grande sucesso no futuro.

Using tornar-se correctly requires a solid grasp of reflexive pronoun placement and verb conjugation. Because it is a regular '-ar' verb, its endings follow the standard pattern, but the inclusion of 'me, te, se, nos, vos, se' is mandatory. When you want to say you became something, you use 'eu me tornei' (Preterite) or 'eu me torno' (Present). The choice of tense significantly alters the meaning: the preterite indicates a completed transformation, while the present or future indicates an ongoing or intended change. This verb is versatile enough to handle both concrete nouns and abstract adjectives, making it a workhorse of the Portuguese language.

With Adjectives
When followed by an adjective, it describes a change in quality. 'A água tornou-se potável' (The water became drinkable). Here, 'potável' describes the new state of the water.
With Nouns
When followed by a noun, it describes a change in identity. 'Ele tornou-se o líder do grupo' (He became the leader of the group). No preposition is needed between the verb and the noun.
Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, the pronoun moves before the verb in both dialects. 'Isso não se tornou um problema' (That did not become a problem).

One of the most complex aspects for English speakers is the distinction between tornar-se and other verbs of change like ficar, virar, and transformar-se. While 'tornar-se' is the most direct translation of 'to become', it carries a weight of permanence. If a person 'se torna' a citizen, it is a formal and lasting change. In contrast, if a person 'fica' angry, it is a fleeting state. When practicing, try to construct sentences that reflect significant milestones or transformations in your life to better internalize the verb's usage and emotional resonance.

Eu me tornei vegetariano há cinco anos por questões de saúde.

Nós nos tornamos bons amigos durante a viagem para a Europa.

O clima se tornará mais seco durante os meses de inverno.

Eles querem que a empresa se torne a maior do setor tecnológico.

Você se tornou alguém muito especial para toda a nossa família.

In the real world, tornar-se is a staple of journalistic discourse and intellectual debate. If you turn on a Portuguese news channel like SIC or Globo, you will frequently hear anchors discussing how a political crisis se tornou a focus of international attention. It is also the language of success stories and biographies; a documentary about a famous athlete will likely describe how they se tornaram a legend in their sport. In corporate settings, managers talk about how the market is se tornando more competitive, emphasizing a dynamic and evolving environment. It is a word that suggests progress, narrative, and consequence.

News & Media
Reporting on changes in the economy, environment, or social trends. 'O desemprego tornou-se a principal preocupação dos eleitores.'
Literature & Storytelling
Describing character arcs or the transformation of settings. 'Com o tempo, o herói tornou-se amargo e solitário.'
Academic Contexts
Discussing theories and scientific processes. 'A teoria tornou-se amplamente aceita pela comunidade científica.'

While tornar-se is undoubtedly formal, it is not 'stiff'. It is used by parents talking about their children ('Ele tornou-se um rapaz muito educado') and by friends reflecting on their lives. However, in very casual street Portuguese, especially in Brazil, you might hear 'virar' more often for sudden or physical changes. For instance, instead of 'ela se tornou uma estrela', a teenager might say 'ela virou uma estrela'. Despite this, tornar-se remains the gold standard for expressing 'becoming' with clarity and grammatical precision across all Portuguese-speaking countries.

A internet tornou-se uma ferramenta indispensável para a educação moderna.

O debate tornou-se acalorado quando o tema da economia foi mencionado.

Muitos jovens sonham em tornar-se influenciadores digitais de sucesso.

A pequena loja de bairro tornou-se uma franquia internacional.

O silêncio na sala tornou-se constrangedor após a pergunta difícil.

The most frequent error English speakers make when using tornar-se is omitting the reflexive pronoun. In English, we simply say 'I became', but in Portuguese, 'Eu tornei' (without the 'me') would mean 'I returned' or 'I made [something] again', which is a completely different meaning. Another common pitfall is the confusion between tornar-se and ficar. While both can be translated as 'to become', ficar is used for temporary states (like getting angry or tired), whereas tornar-se is for substantial changes. Saying 'Eu me tornei cansado' sounds like you have permanently evolved into a tired being, which is likely not what you mean.

Missing Pronouns
Incorrect: 'Ele tornou médico.' Correct: 'Ele tornou-se médico.' The pronoun 'se' is essential to indicate the change happened to the subject.
Confusing with 'Ficar'
Incorrect: 'Eu me tornei triste ontem.' Correct: 'Eu fiquei triste ontem.' Use 'ficar' for temporary emotions.
Preposition Overuse
Incorrect: 'Ele se tornou em um professor.' Correct: 'Ele se tornou professor.' While 'em' is possible, it is much less common and often unnecessary.

Additionally, learners often struggle with the placement of the pronoun. In Brazilian Portuguese, the tendency is to put it before the verb ('se tornar'), but in formal writing or European Portuguese, it should follow ('tornar-se'). Misplacing the pronoun in a negative sentence is also a hurdle; remember that negative words like 'não', 'nunca', and 'jamais' pull the pronoun to the front: 'Ele não se tornou'. Understanding these nuances will prevent your Portuguese from sounding like a direct, clunky translation of English thought patterns.

Não se torne aquilo que você sempre criticou nos outros.

Muitos alunos esquecem de usar o pronome ao dizer que se tornaram fluentes.

É errado dizer que o tempo tornou-se chuvoso; o correto é dizer que o tempo 'ficou' chuvoso.

Nunca me tornarei cúmplice de uma injustiça como esta.

Ao usar 'tornar-se', lembre-se que o foco é na transformação duradoura.

While tornar-se is the most versatile verb for 'becoming', Portuguese offers several synonyms that carry different nuances. Choosing the right one depends on the speed of the change, the nature of the transformation, and the level of formality. For example, virar is the informal cousin of tornar-se, often used for sudden changes or career shifts in Brazil. Transformar-se implies a more radical, structural, or physical change, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Ficar is the go-to for temporary changes in mood or physical state. Understanding these alternatives allows you to express the 'how' and 'why' of a change more precisely.

Virar vs. Tornar-se
'Virar' is informal and common in Brazil. 'Ele virou fera em matemática' (He became a math pro) vs 'Ele se tornou um especialista' (He became a specialist).
Transformar-se em
Implies a metamorphosis. 'A lagarta transformou-se em borboleta'. This usually requires the preposition 'em'.
Passar a ser
Focuses on the transition point. 'Ele passou a ser o responsável' (He started being/became the person in charge).

Other verbs like converter-se are used for religious or ideological changes, while chegar a ser suggests a long process or an achievement that was difficult to reach. For instance, 'Ele chegou a ser diretor' implies he worked his way up to that position. By mastering these synonyms, you can avoid repetitive language and sound more like a native speaker who understands the subtle textures of the Portuguese language. Each verb of 'becoming' paints a slightly different picture of the transformation, from the sudden flip of 'virar' to the steady evolution of 'tornar-se'.

A água transformou-se em gelo devido às baixas temperaturas.

Ele virou um grande fã de música brasileira depois de visitar o Rio.

Depois de muita oração, ele converteu-se ao budismo.

O projeto chegou a ser a maior iniciativa social do país.

Com a nova lei, o uso de máscaras passou a ser obrigatório.

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Examples by Level

1

Eu quero me tornar médico.

I want to become a doctor.

Uses 'me' because the subject is 'eu'.

2

Ela se torna feliz no verão.

She becomes happy in the summer.

Present tense of 'tornar-se'.

3

O meu cão se tornou meu amigo.

My dog became my friend.

Preterite (past) tense of 'tornar-se'.

4

Nós nos tornamos uma família.

We became a family.

Reflexive pronoun 'nos' matches 'nós'.

5

Você quer se tornar professor?

Do you want to become a teacher?

Interrogative sentence with infinitive.

6

Eles se tornam fortes na academia.

They become strong at the gym.

Third person plural present tense.

7

O dia se torna noite.

The day becomes night.

Simple transformation description.

8

Ela se tornou brasileira.

She became Brazilian.

Change of nationality.

1

Ele se tornou um excelente cozinheiro.

He became an excellent cook.

Preterite tense with an adjective and noun.

2

A cidade se tornou muito barulhenta.

The city became very noisy.

Describing a change in an environment.

3

Nós nos tornamos vizinhos há um mês.

We became neighbors a month ago.

Reflexive pronoun 'nos' is mandatory.

4

O sonho dela se tornou realidade.

Her dream became reality.

Common expression: tornar-se realidade.

5

Vocês se tornaram fluentes em inglês?

Did you (plural) become fluent in English?

Questioning a change in skill level.

6

A água se tornou gelo no congelador.

The water became ice in the freezer.

Physical state change.

7

Eles se tornaram sócios da empresa.

They became partners of the company.

Change in professional status.

8

O tempo se tornou instável à tarde.

The weather became unstable in the afternoon.

Describing weather changes.

1

A situação se tornou insustentável para todos.

The situation became unsustainable for everyone.

Abstract adjective 'insustentável'.

2

Com o tempo, ele se tornou mais paciente.

With time, he became more patient.

Comparative 'mais paciente' with the verb.

3

Espero que este livro se torne um sucesso.

I hope this book becomes a success.

Present subjunctive 'se torne' after 'espero que'.

4

O problema se tornou maior do que esperávamos.

The problem became bigger than we expected.

Comparison of size/intensity.

5

Ela se tornou a principal voz do movimento.

She became the main voice of the movement.

Metaphorical use for leadership.

6

Se eu estudar muito, me tornarei um perito.

If I study hard, I will become an expert.

Future tense 'me tornarei'.

7

O vilarejo se tornou um destino turístico popular.

The village became a popular tourist destination.

Social transformation of a place.

8

Não se torne alguém que você não respeita.

Don't become someone you don't respect.

Negative imperative 'não se torne'.

1

A tecnologia tornou-se essencial para a economia.

Technology has become essential for the economy.

Formal placement of 'se' after the verb.

2

É provável que a crise se torne global.

It is likely that the crisis will become global.

Subjunctive mood after 'é provável que'.

3

O debate tornou-se acalorado rapidamente.

The debate became heated quickly.

Adjective 'acalorado' describing an abstract process.

4

Ela se tornou consciente dos seus direitos civis.

She became aware of her civil rights.

Adjective 'consciente' followed by 'de'.

5

O projeto tornou-se viável após o novo investimento.

The project became viable after the new investment.

Describing business feasibility.

6

Eles se tornaram dependentes da ajuda externa.

They became dependent on external aid.

Adjective 'dependente' followed by 'de'.

7

A internet tornou-se um campo de batalha ideológico.

The internet became an ideological battlefield.

Complex noun phrase as complement.

8

Se ele se tornasse presidente, as coisas mudariam.

If he became president, things would change.

Imperfect subjunctive 'se tornasse' in a conditional.

1

O conceito de privacidade tornou-se fluido na era digital.

The concept of privacy has become fluid in the digital age.

Abstract philosophical usage.

2

A obra tornou-se um marco na literatura contemporânea.

The work became a milestone in contemporary literature.

Literary/Academic register.

3

As tensões tornaram-se evidentes durante a cimeira.

Tensions became evident during the summit.

Describing diplomatic atmospheres.

4

O silêncio tornou-se quase ensurdecedor na sala.

The silence became almost deafening in the room.

Oxymoron 'silêncio ensurdecedor' with the verb.

5

A teoria tornou-se o paradigma dominante na biologia.

The theory became the dominant paradigm in biology.

Scientific/Academic context.

6

Ele tornou-se avesso a qualquer tipo de publicidade.

He became averse to any kind of publicity.

Adjective 'avesso' with 'a'.

7

A infraestrutura tornou-se obsoleta com o passar dos anos.

The infrastructure became obsolete over the years.

Describing technical decline.

8

Oxalá te tornes o homem que o teu pai desejava.

Hopefully you become the man your father desired.

Formal 'oxalá' with present subjunctive.

1

O sujeito torna-se objeto da sua própria observação.

The subject becomes the object of their own observation.

Philosophical/Ontological usage.

2

A linguagem torna-se um véu que oculta a realidade.

Language becomes a veil that hides reality.

Metaphorical/Epistemological context.

3

A medida em que envelhecemos, as memórias tornam-se seletivas.

As we age, memories become selective.

Describing psychological processes.

4

Tornar-se-ia impossível prosseguir sem o vosso apoio.

It would become impossible to proceed without your support.

Mesoclisis (tornar-se-ia) - extremely formal/literary.

5

A fronteira entre o real e o virtual tornou-se ténue.

The boundary between the real and the virtual has become thin.

Describing subtle distinctions.

6

O autor tornou-se refém da sua própria fama.

The author became a hostage of his own fame.

Idiomatic/Metaphorical use.

7

As nuances da lei tornam-se cruciais neste julgamento.

The nuances of the law become crucial in this trial.

Legal/Technical precision.

8

A existência humana torna-se um fardo insuportável.

Human existence becomes an unbearable burden.

Existentialist/Philosophical register.

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