cambie
kahm-bye-eh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Por favor, cambie la bombilla quemada.
A2Please, change the burnt-out lightbulb. (Formal command)
No creo que él cambie su manera de pensar.
B1I don't believe he will change his way of thinking. (Subjunctive doubt)
Espero que yo cambie de trabajo pronto.
B1I hope I change jobs soon. (Subjunctive desire)
Cambie de carril con precaución.
A2Change lanes with caution. (Traffic command)
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Role of 'Cambie'
'Cambie' is used for two main purposes: 1) Giving a formal command to 'usted' (you, formal); and 2) Talking about desires or doubts for 'yo' (I) or 'él/ella/usted' (he/she/formal you) in the subjunctive mood.
The Subjunctive Trigger
You must use 'cambie' (the subjunctive form) after phrases that express wishes, uncertainty, or necessity, like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Up Commands
Mistake: "Using 'cambia' when speaking formally to a stranger."
Correction: If you are addressing someone formally (using 'Usted'), you must use the '-e' ending for '-ar' verbs: 'Cambie su asiento.' (Change your seat).
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Vowel Swap
For regular '-ar' verbs like 'cambiar,' the subjunctive and formal command forms swap to the '-e' ending. This is a consistent pattern for almost all '-ar' verbs!
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cambie
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'cambie' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'cambie' is a command or a subjunctive form?
If 'cambie' starts a sentence, it's usually a formal command ('Usted, cambie...'). If it appears after a phrase like 'que' (that) and expresses a desire, doubt, or necessity, it is the subjunctive form ('Es necesario que yo cambie...').
Why does 'cambie' sound like the 'yo' (I) form of the subjunctive, but also the 'usted' (formal) command?
In Spanish, the formal commands (Usted/Ustedes) borrow their forms directly from the present subjunctive. This is a common pattern for all verbs, making it easy to learn both at once!