cambios

/KAHM-byos/

changes

A single tree visually split down the middle. One half has vibrant green leaves, and the other half has bright red and orange autumn leaves, illustrating a transformation.

Cambios, meaning 'changes,' illustrated by a tree transitioning from summer to autumn colors.

cambios(noun)

mA1

changes

modifications or alterations

Also:

alterations

adjustments

shifts

in policy or mood

📝 In Action

Hemos notado muchos cambios en la ciudad este año.

We have noticed many changes in the city this year.

Necesito hacer algunos cambios a mi reservación antes de viajar.

I need to make some changes to my reservation before traveling.

Word Connections

Synonyms

modificaciones (modifications)
variaciones (variations)

Antonyms

continuidad (continuity)

Common Collocations

hacer cambios – to make changes
grandes cambios – big changes

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Noun Rule

Since the singular form is 'cambio' (ending in a vowel), the plural is formed simply by adding '-s'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Cambios' for Life Events

Use 'cambios' when discussing major life shifts, like moving house, starting a new job, or personal growth.

Two distinct stacks of colorful rectangular paper bills are placed next to each other on a table, symbolizing currency exchange.

Cambios refers to 'exchange rates' or currency conversions.

cambios(noun)

mB1

exchange rates

currency conversions

Also:

foreign exchange

the act of trading currencies

change (money)

small coins, though usually 'el cambio' singular

📝 In Action

¿Cuáles son los cambios de divisas hoy?

What are the currency exchange rates today?

La casa de cambios está en el aeropuerto.

The money exchange office is at the airport.

Word Connections

Synonyms

divisas (currency)

Common Collocations

cambios de divisas – currency exchange
tipo de cambios – exchange rate

❌ Common Pitfalls

Small Coins vs. Rate

Mistake: "Using 'cambios' when you mean 'small coins' for a purchase."

Correction: For leftover coins, use 'el cambio' (singular) or 'monedas'. 'Cambios' (plural) usually refers to rates or the exchange market itself.

A close-up view of a simple, black manual car gear shift lever handle sticking out of a console.

In the context of vehicles, cambios means 'gear shifts' or the transmission mechanism.

cambios(noun)

mB2

gear shifts

the transmission mechanism in a vehicle

Also:

gears

in a vehicle or bicycle

📝 In Action

Este coche automático hace los cambios muy suavemente.

This automatic car shifts gears very smoothly.

Necesito practicar los cambios de marcha en mi bicicleta.

I need to practice the gear shifts on my bicycle.

Word Connections

Synonyms

marchas (gears)

Common Collocations

caja de cambios – gearbox/transmission
cambios automáticos – automatic gears

⭐ Usage Tips

Manual vs. Automatic

When referring to a manual transmission car, you might hear 'coche de cambios' or 'coche de marchas'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cambios

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'cambios' in the sense of financial exchange?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

cambio(change (singular)) - noun

cambiar(to change) - verb

cambiante(changing/variable) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'cambios' ever used as a verb?

Yes! While 'cambios' is most commonly the plural noun 'changes,' it is also the conjugation of the verb 'cambiar' (to change) for the pronoun 'tú' (you). For example: 'Tú cambias de opinión muy rápido' (You change your mind very quickly).

How do I know if 'cambios' means 'gears' or 'changes'?

Context is key. If you are talking about a car, a bicycle, or a gearbox ('caja de cambios'), it refers to gears. In almost every other context (life, weather, plans, clothes), it means general 'changes' or 'modifications'.