cambiaron
/kahm-bee-AH-rohn/
they changed
The image shows the transformation of caterpillars into butterflies, illustrating how 'they changed.'
cambiaron(verb)
they changed
?referring to a group of people or things
you all changed
?formal plural address (ustedes)
,they became different
📝 In Action
Ellos cambiaron de opinión después de la reunión.
A2They changed their minds after the meeting.
Las reglas cambiaron mucho el año pasado.
A1The rules changed a lot last year.
¿Por qué ustedes cambiaron de asiento?
A2Why did you all change seats?
💡 Grammar Points
The Specific Form: 'Cambiaron'
This word is the simple past tense (preterite) for 'they,' 'them,' or 'you all' (ustedes). It describes an action that started and finished at a specific point in the past, like a one-time event.
Changing One's Mind
To say someone changed their mind, Spanish uses the phrase 'cambiar de opinión' (literally: change of opinion), not just 'cambiar la mente'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong past tense
Mistake: "Usar 'cambiaban' (imperfect) when referring to a single, completed action."
Correction: 'Cambiaron' is for finished actions: 'Ayer cambiaron el plan.' ('Yesterday they changed the plan.')
⭐ Usage Tips
Quick Use
Use 'cambiaron' when you are talking about a group of people or things that made a definite modification at a specific past time.
The illustration of two children swapping fruit depicts the meaning 'they exchanged.'
cambiaron(verb)
they exchanged
?swapping items
they traded
?bartering or commerce
,they swapped
📝 In Action
Los turistas cambiaron dólares por euros en el banco.
B1The tourists exchanged dollars for euros at the bank.
Ellas cambiaron regalos durante la fiesta.
A2They exchanged gifts during the party.
💡 Grammar Points
The Preposition 'Por'
When exchanging, you often use 'por' (for) to indicate what you received in return: 'Cambiaron A por B' (They exchanged A for B).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cambiaron
Question 1 of 1
If you saw a group of friends arrive at a party and immediately put on new outfits, which word would you use?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'cambiaron' and 'cambió'?
'Cambiaron' means 'they changed' or 'you all changed' (referring to a group), while 'cambió' means 'he/she/it changed' or 'you changed' (formal singular). Both are the simple past tense.