cambian
/KAHM-byahn/
they change
When things undergo transformation, 'cambian' (they change).
cambian(verb)
they change
?undergo transformation
,you all change
?formal plural (ustedes)
they shift
?weather or mood
📝 In Action
Las estaciones cambian cada tres meses.
A1The seasons change every three months.
Ellos cambian de opinión constantemente.
A2They change their mind constantly.
Ustedes cambian la rutina para mejorar la productividad.
B1You all change the routine to improve productivity.
💡 Grammar Points
Who is 'cambian'?
This form is used when the action ('to change') is done by 'ellos' (they, masculine/mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine group), or 'ustedes' (you all, formal).
Changing *from* one thing *to* another
When you talk about switching one item or state for a new one (like changing jobs or trains), Spanish often uses the preposition 'de': 'Cambian de trabajo'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the person
Mistake: "Using 'cambia' when talking about a group: 'Mis amigos cambia de casa.'"
Correction: Use 'cambian' for groups: 'Mis amigos cambian de casa.' (My friends change houses.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Regular Verb Pattern
Since 'cambiar' is regular, you can use its endings (-o, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an) as a template for hundreds of other common -ar verbs like 'hablar' (to speak) and 'trabajar' (to work).
When people swap items or money, 'cambian' (they exchange).
cambian(verb)
they exchange
?money or goods
,you all exchange
?formal plural (ustedes)
they swap
?informal substitution
📝 In Action
Ellos cambian los euros por moneda local en el aeropuerto.
A2They exchange euros for local currency at the airport.
Los niños cambian cartas deportivas en el recreo.
B1The children trade sports cards during recess.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Exchange
When 'cambiar' means exchanging two items (A for B), you often use 'por' or sometimes 'a cambio de' to link them: 'Cambian libros por juguetes' (They exchange books for toys).
When they swap out an old item for a new one, 'cambian' (they replace).
cambian(verb)
they replace
?tires, clothing, or parts
they get changed
?clothes (often reflexive: se cambian)
📝 In Action
Los mecánicos cambian las ruedas rápidamente.
B1The mechanics replace the tires quickly.
Después del partido, ellas se cambian en el vestuario.
B1After the game, they get changed in the locker room.
💡 Grammar Points
Changing Clothes (Reflexive)
When the group is changing their own clothes, the verb is used reflexively: 'se cambian.' This shows the action is done to themselves.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cambian
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cambian' to mean 'to exchange money'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cambian' only used for people?
No. While it is the 'they' form, 'cambian' is used any time the subject is plural. This could be people ('Los estudiantes cambian'), animals ('Los perros cambian'), or things ('Las luces cambian').
What is the difference between 'cambian' and 'cambien'?
'Cambian' is the straightforward present tense (indicative), used for facts and routines ('They change jobs often'). 'Cambien' is the special form (subjunctive), used when expressing wishes, doubts, or indirect commands ('Espero que cambien de opinión' - I hope they change their mind).