reemplazar
re-ehm-plah-SAHR
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Tengo que reemplazar la bombilla de la cocina.
A2I have to replace the kitchen light bulb.
Nadie puede reemplazar a una madre.
B1Nobody can replace a mother.
El entrenador reemplazó al jugador lesionado.
B1The coach replaced the injured player.
💡 Grammar Points
The Z-to-C Spelling Swap
In Spanish, the letter 'z' usually changes to a 'c' before the letter 'e'. That's why we say 'yo reemplacé' instead of 'reemplazé'.
Using 'a' with People
When you are replacing a person, remember to put the word 'a' before their name. For example: 'reemplazar A María'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Cambiar'
Mistake: "Using 'cambiar' when you specifically mean putting something in the place of another."
Correction: Use 'reemplazar' for direct substitutions (like a battery or a worker). 'Cambiar' is more general, like changing your mind or changing clothes.
⭐ Usage Tips
Which preposition to use?
To say you are replacing A with B, use the word 'por'. Example: 'Reemplacé el azúcar por miel' (I replaced the sugar with honey).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: reemplazar
Question 1 of 2
How do you say 'I replaced' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'reemplazar' and 'sustituir'?
They are very similar and often interchangeable. 'Reemplazar' is more common in everyday speech for objects, while 'sustituir' can feel slightly more formal or technical.
Is 'reemplazar' a regular verb?
Almost! It follows regular -ar patterns, but it has a small spelling change (z to c) in the 'yo' form of the past tense and in the special forms for wishes/commands (subjunctive).