Inklingo

How to Say "to modify" in Spanish

English → Spanish

modificar

/mo-dee-fee-KAR//modifiˈkaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'modificar' when you are making specific, often formal, changes to a document, plan, or system.
A child adding a colorful stripe to a plain white toy car with a paintbrush.

Examples

Necesitamos modificar el contrato antes de firmar.

We need to modify the contract before signing.

El arquitecto modificó los planos para incluir un balcón.

The architect altered the plans to include a balcony.

He modificado mi dieta para tener más energía.

I have adjusted my diet to have more energy.

The 'C' to 'QU' Spelling Swap

When a verb ends in -car, the 'c' changes to 'qu' when followed by an 'e'. This keeps the 'K' sound. You'll see this in the first person past tense (modifiqué) and whenever you use the special forms for wishes or commands (modifique).

No extra words needed

Unlike English where we often 'modify' something 'to' something else, in Spanish you just 'modify [thing]'. You don't need a preposition like 'a' before the object.

Don't use it for clothes!

Mistake: “Me voy a modificar para la fiesta.”

Correction: Me voy a cambiar para la fiesta. (Use 'cambiar' for changing clothes; 'modificar' is for changing the design or structure of the clothes themselves.)

editar

/eh-dee-TAHR//e.ðiˈtaɾ/

verbA2
Use 'editar' when changing settings on a device, editing text or images, or updating a profile.
A colorful digital photo on a tablet being adjusted with a stylus, showing brightness and color changes.

Examples

Necesito editar esta foto antes de subirla.

I need to edit this photo before uploading it.

Ella está aprendiendo a editar videos con su computadora.

She is learning to edit videos with her computer.

Puedes editar tu nombre de usuario en los ajustes.

You can edit your username in the settings.

A perfectly regular verb

Good news! This verb follows all the standard rules for verbs ending in -ar, so there are no surprise spelling changes.

Editar vs. Publicar

Mistake: “Using 'publicar' when you mean you are still changing a document.”

Correction: Use 'editar' for the process of changing things and 'publicar' only when you are ready to share it with the world.

alterar

/al-te-RAR//alteˈɾaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'alterar' when you are changing the order, state, or nature of something, often implying a disruption or significant adjustment.
A row of blue birds with one bird painted bright red.

Examples

No queremos alterar el orden de las presentaciones.

We don't want to change the order of the presentations.

El ruido de la calle alteró mi concentración.

The street noise disrupted my concentration.

Pequeños cambios pueden alterar el resultado final.

Small changes can modify the final result.

Using Alterar vs. Cambiar

'Alterar' often implies changing the essence or the natural state of something, whereas 'cambiar' is more general. Think of 'alterar' as 'to tinker with' or 'to disrupt'.

Don't use it for 'to change clothes'

Mistake: “Me voy a alterar la ropa.”

Correction: Me voy a cambiar de ropa. 'Alterar' is for modifying things, not for swapping one item for another.

Choosing Between Modificar and Alterar

Learners often confuse 'modificar' and 'alterar'. Remember that 'modificar' is for specific changes to content or plans, while 'alterar' usually implies changing the state or sequence of things, sometimes with a negative connotation.

Related Translations

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