cambié
/kahm-bYAY/
I changed
"Cambié" means I swapped or replaced something.
cambié(verb)
I changed
?as in swapping or replacing something
I exchanged
?swapping one item for another
,I swapped
?casual exchange
📝 In Action
Cambié mi camisa vieja por una nueva.
A1I exchanged my old shirt for a new one.
Cambié de sitio para ver mejor la película.
A2I changed places (seats) to see the movie better.
💡 Grammar Points
The Accent Mark is Key
The accent mark on 'cambié' tells you two things: 1) The stress falls on the last syllable, and 2) This action happened and finished completely in the past (the Preterite tense).
Yo Form of the Past
'Cambié' means 'I changed'. This form is used when you are telling a story about a specific, completed event that you did.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Past Tenses
Mistake: "Using 'cambiaba' (I used to change) instead of 'cambié' (I changed) for a single, finished action."
Correction: 'Cambié de coche ayer' (I changed cars yesterday) is correct. 'Cambiaba' describes habits or ongoing states in the past.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'de' to indicate what you changed FROM
When talking about changing jobs, houses, or opinions, Spanish often uses 'cambié de' + the noun: 'Cambié de casa' (I changed houses).
"Cambié" can mean I modified a plan or situation.
cambié(verb)
I modified
?to alter a plan or situation
I transformed
?referring to a major change
,I reformed
?changing a system or procedure
📝 In Action
Después del viaje, cambié mi forma de pensar.
B1After the trip, I changed my way of thinking.
Cambié la ruta para evitar el tráfico.
B1I modified the route to avoid traffic.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Result
When using 'cambié' to mean modification, the focus is usually on the completed result of the action (e.g., 'the plan is now different').
"Cambié" means I exchanged money or currency.
cambié(verb)
I exchanged (money)
?currency exchange
I broke (a bill)
?getting change for a large denomination
📝 In Action
Llegué al aeropuerto y cambié dólares por euros.
A2I arrived at the airport and exchanged dollars for euros.
Cambié un billete de cien en la tienda.
A2I broke a hundred-bill (got change for it) at the store.
⭐ Usage Tips
Changing Money vs. Changing Things
When referring to currency, 'cambié' is usually followed by the currency names (dólares, euros, etc.). In this context, it means getting the equivalent value in a different form.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cambié
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'cambié' (I changed) for a completed action in the past?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'cambié' and 'cambie'?
'Cambié' (with the accent) means 'I changed' in the simple past (Preterite). 'Cambie' (without the accent) means 'he/she/it changes' or 'you (formal) change' in the present tense, or is the special verb form (Subjunctive) used for wishes, commands, or uncertainty, as in 'Espero que cambie' (I hope that he changes).
How do I say 'I changed myself' or 'I changed clothes'?
When the action affects you, you must use the reflexive form 'cambiarse.' The conjugation would be 'Me cambié.' For example, 'Me cambié de ropa' (I changed my clothes).