cambiaste
kam-BYAS-teh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¿Por qué cambiaste el plan a última hora?
A2Why did you change the plan at the last minute?
Ayer cambiaste tu camiseta por una azul.
A1Yesterday you changed your shirt for a blue one.
¡Guau! Cambiaste mucho desde la escuela.
B1Wow! You changed a lot since school.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Past Action
This form, 'cambiaste,' tells us that you (the informal 'tú') finished the action of changing at a specific point in the past. It's the simple past tense (Preterite).
Regular -AR Verb Pattern
'Cambiar' is easy because it follows the regular pattern for -AR verbs. Just drop the -AR and add '-aste' for the 'tú' form in the simple past.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Preterite vs. Imperfect
Mistake: "Using 'cambiabas' when describing a single, completed action."
Correction: Use 'cambiaste' (Preterite) for actions completed in the past (e.g., 'You changed your shoes'). Use 'cambiabas' (Imperfect) for habits or descriptions (e.g., 'You used to change your shoes often').
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'De' for Changes
When talking about changing opinions, jobs, or locations, Spanish often uses the preposition 'de' (of/from): 'Cambiaste de casa' (You changed houses).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cambiaste
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'cambiaste'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cambiaste' used for 'you changed money'?
Yes, absolutely! While 'cambiar' means to modify, it is also the standard verb for 'to exchange money' or 'to break a bill.' For example, '¿Cambiaste dólares a euros?' (Did you change dollars into euros?)
How do I know when to use 'tú' and when to use 'usted'?
'Cambiaste' uses the informal 'tú,' which you use with friends, family, and peers. If you were speaking formally to an elder, a boss, or someone you don't know well, you would use the 'usted' form: 'usted cambió' (you changed).