convenir
verbCEFR B2
What does “convenir” mean in English?
to suit, to be appropriate
to suit, to be appropriate (convenir — impersonal: it is advisable/fitting; or agree mutually)
Example sentences
Convendría revisar los términos del acuerdo antes de firmarlo para evitar malentendidos futuros.
It would be advisable to review the terms of the agreement before signing it to avoid future misunderstandings.
Conviene recordar que este modelo de análisis tiene sus limitaciones y no puede generalizarse.
It is worth recalling that this model of analysis has its limitations and cannot be generalised.
Las dos partes convinieron en aplazar la votación hasta que se dispusiera de más información.
The two parties agreed to postpone the vote until more information was available.
How to use it
Convenir has two main senses at B2: (1) impersonal advisory: conviene + infinitive (it is advisable to...) — conviene revisar, convendría esperar; (2) to agree/suit: convenir en algo (agree on something — formal). The impersonal use is the most important at B2: convendría (conditional) is a very natural hedge in advice-giving. Irregular: yo convengo, él conviene. Near-synonyms: ser conveniente (more adjectival), venir bien (suit — more colloquial), acordar (agree — more active).
Common mistake
Conviene + infinitive (impersonal) vs. convenir en + infinitive (agree to) — these are different structures. Convendría is a very useful conditional hedge in academic and professional writing. Don't confuse with conveniente (adjective: suitable/advisable) — conviene is the verb form. Also: 'eso no me conviene' = that doesn't suit me / work for me.