Inklingo

How to Say "subbing" in Spanish

The Spanish word forsubbingis sustituciónB1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishB1
nounB1
Informal shorthand for player changes in sports
A hand placing a fresh, bright green apple in a bowl to replace a single brown, shriveled apple.

Examples

El entrenador pidió una sustitución en el segundo tiempo.

The coach asked for a substitution in the second half.

La sustitución de piezas viejas mejorará el motor.

The replacement of old parts will improve the engine.

En matemáticas, usamos el método de sustitución para resolver el problema.

In math, we use the substitution method to solve the problem.

The '-ción' Gender Rule

Most Spanish words that end in '-ción' are feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.

Connecting the Swap

To explain a swap, use 'de' for the thing being removed and 'por' for the thing being added. Example: La sustitución de azúcar por miel (The replacement of sugar with honey).

The Disappearing Accent

Mistake:sustituciónes

Correction: sustituciones. When you make this word plural, the accent mark on the 'o' is removed because of Spanish spelling rules.

Wrong Word for People

Mistake:Ella es mi sustitución.

Correction: Ella es mi sustituta. Use 'sustitución' for the act of replacing, but use 'sustituto' or 'sustituta' to refer to the person who is the replacement.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.