cambio
“cambio” means “change” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
change, small change, exchange
Also: shift, rate of exchange
📝 In Action
Necesito un cambio en mi vida.
A2I need a change in my life.
Perdón, ¿tiene cambio de un billete de 20 euros?
A1Excuse me, do you have change for a 20 euro bill?
El tipo de cambio hoy es favorable para el dólar.
B1The exchange rate today is favorable for the dollar.
Hice el cambio de aceite del coche ayer.
B1I did the car's oil change yesterday.
I change
Also: I exchange
📝 In Action
Yo cambio de opinión muy a menudo.
A2I change my mind very often.
Si no te gusta la camisa, la cambio por otra.
A2If you don't like the shirt, I'll exchange it for another one.
Siempre cambio mis zapatos al llegar a casa.
A1I always change my shoes when I get home.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "cambio" in Spanish:
change→changed→exchange→i change→i exchange→modified→shift→small change→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cambio
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'cambio' to mean 'coins' or 'small change'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Late Latin word 'cambiare', which meant 'to exchange' or 'to barter.' It has kept this core idea of swapping one thing for another throughout its history.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'cambio' and 'cambiar'?
Great question! 'Cambiar' is the verb in its basic form, meaning 'to change.' 'Cambio' can be two things: 1) The noun 'a change' or 'small change' (like coins). 2) The verb form for 'I change' (e.g., 'Yo cambio'). The context will always tell you which one it is.
How do I say 'in exchange for something'?
You use the phrase 'a cambio de'. For example, 'Te doy mi libro a cambio de tu revista' means 'I'll give you my book in exchange for your magazine.'