Inklingo

How to Say "substitute" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “substitute” is “reemplazo” — use 'reemplazo' when referring to a thing that takes the place of another, like a spare part or a general replacement.

reemplazo🔊A2

Use 'reemplazo' when referring to a thing that takes the place of another, like a spare part or a general replacement.

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sustituto🔊A2

Use 'sustituto' for a person or thing that is acting in place of another, often temporarily, like a substitute teacher or a replacement ingredient.

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suplente🔊B1

Use 'suplente' specifically for a person who is a backup or reserve, commonly used in sports or other competitive contexts.

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teniente🔊C1

Use 'teniente' for a specific official role, like a deputy mayor, who holds a position in place of a higher-ranking person.

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vicario🔊C1

Use 'vicario' in a more abstract or psychological sense, referring to an indirect or secondary experience, like achieving success through another person.

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English → Spanish

reemplazo

reh-em-PLAH-sohre.emˈpla.so

nounA2general
Use 'reemplazo' when referring to a thing that takes the place of another, like a spare part or a general replacement.
A brand new shiny light bulb sitting next to a burnt-out, dark light bulb.

Examples

Necesitamos un reemplazo para la bombilla de la cocina.

We need a replacement for the kitchen light bulb.

Ella es el reemplazo temporal de nuestro profesor.

She is our teacher's temporary substitute.

El reemplazo de la pieza vieja mejoró el rendimiento del coche.

The replacement of the old part improved the car's performance.

Noun Gender

Even when referring to a woman who is a substitute, the word remains masculine: 'el reemplazo'.

Using 'de'

To say what is being replaced, always follow the word with 'de' (e.g., 'el reemplazo de la batería').

Wrong Gender

Mistake: “La reemplazo”

Correction: El reemplazo. Even though it ends in 'o' and might refer to a woman, it's always a masculine noun.

sustituto

soos-tee-TOO-tohsustiˈtuto

nounA2general
Use 'sustituto' for a person or thing that is acting in place of another, often temporarily, like a substitute teacher or a replacement ingredient.
A friendly teacher standing at the front of a classroom next to a chalkboard, stepping in for the regular teacher.

Examples

El sustituto del profesor llegó tarde hoy.

The teacher's substitute arrived late today.

Buscamos un sustituto para la pieza que se rompió.

We are looking for a replacement for the part that broke.

No hay un sustituto real para el trabajo duro.

There is no real substitute for hard work.

Puedes usar este ingrediente sustituto.

You can use this substitute ingredient.

Using 'de' with Sustituto

When you want to say what or who is being replaced, use the word 'de' (of). For example: 'el sustituto de Juan'.

Gender Changes

While this entry is for 'sustituto', remember to change the ending to 'a' (sustituta) if you are talking about a female person.

Adjective Agreement

Since this is an adjective here, it must match the noun. Use 'sustitutos' if you are describing more than one masculine thing.

Confusing with 'Substituto'

Mistake: “Using 'substituto' with an extra 'b'.”

Correction: While both are technically accepted, 'sustituto' is much more common and preferred in modern Spanish.

Positioning

sustituto

soos-tee-TOO-tohsustiˈtuto

adjectiveB1general
Use 'sustituto' as an adjective to describe something that is serving as a replacement or alternative.
A friendly teacher standing at the front of a classroom next to a chalkboard, stepping in for the regular teacher.

Examples

Puedes usar este ingrediente sustituto.

You can use this substitute ingredient.

El sustituto del profesor llegó tarde hoy.

The teacher's substitute arrived late today.

Buscamos un sustituto para la pieza que se rompió.

We are looking for a replacement for the part that broke.

No hay un sustituto real para el trabajo duro.

There is no real substitute for hard work.

Using 'de' with Sustituto

When you want to say what or who is being replaced, use the word 'de' (of). For example: 'el sustituto de Juan'.

Gender Changes

While this entry is for 'sustituto', remember to change the ending to 'a' (sustituta) if you are talking about a female person.

Adjective Agreement

Since this is an adjective here, it must match the noun. Use 'sustitutos' if you are describing more than one masculine thing.

Confusing with 'Substituto'

Mistake: “Using 'substituto' with an extra 'b'.”

Correction: While both are technically accepted, 'sustituto' is much more common and preferred in modern Spanish.

Positioning

suplente

soo-PLEN-tehsuˈplente

nounB1general
Use 'suplente' specifically for a person who is a backup or reserve, commonly used in sports or other competitive contexts.
A soccer player in a colorful jersey sitting on a bench, ready to enter the game to replace a teammate.

Examples

El portero suplente entró en el segundo tiempo.

The substitute goalkeeper came in during the second half.

Si el director no puede venir, hablarás con su suplente.

If the director cannot come, you will speak with his stand-in.

Ella es la primera suplente en la lista electoral.

She is the first substitute on the election list.

One word for both genders

The word stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman. Just change the 'el' or 'la' in front.

The 'E' ending

Since it ends in 'e', it doesn't change to 'a' for women. Say 'la suplente,' not 'la suplenta'.

Don't say 'suplenta'

Mistake: “La suplenta de la oficina.”

Correction: La suplente de la oficina. Words ending in -ente usually don't change for gender.

teniente

teh-NYEN-tehteˈnjente

nounC1formal
Use 'teniente' for a specific official role, like a deputy mayor, who holds a position in place of a higher-ranking person.
A formally dressed person holding a large, ornate golden key, standing near a prominent, empty chair and desk, signifying they are acting as a deputy.

Examples

El teniente de alcalde inauguró el nuevo parque.

The deputy mayor inaugurated the new park.

Actuó como teniente del director durante su ausencia.

He acted as the director's deputy during his absence.

vicario

bee-KAH-ryohbiˈkaɾjo

adjectiveC1abstract/formal
Use 'vicario' in a more abstract or psychological sense, referring to an indirect or secondary experience, like achieving success through another person.
A child watching an astronaut on a television screen with a look of awe and excitement.

Examples

Muchos padres buscan un éxito vicario a través de sus hijos.

Many parents seek vicarious success through their children.

El poder del regente es puramente vicario.

The regent's power is purely delegated (acting for another).

Sentí un placer vicario al verla ganar el premio.

I felt a vicarious pleasure seeing her win the prize.

Gender Matching

Since this is an adjective, it must match the gender of the thing it describes: 'un poder vicario' (masculine) but 'una experiencia vicaria' (feminine).

Word Order

In Spanish, this word almost always comes after the noun it describes to sound natural.

Confusing with 'Vicar'

Mistake: “Using 'el vicario' when you mean 'vicarious experience'.”

Correction: Use 'vicario' as an adjective after the noun for experiences, and as a noun for the person (the priest).

Person vs. Thing Substitute

Learners often confuse 'reemplazo' and 'sustituto'. Remember that 'reemplazo' is generally for objects or parts, while 'sustituto' can be for people (like a teacher) or things (like an ingredient). 'Suplente' is almost exclusively for people in reserve roles, especially sports.

Related Translations

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