How to Say "to replace" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to replace” is “reemplazar” — use 'reemplazar' when you are substituting one item or person for another, implying a direct swap.
reemplazar
re-ehm-plah-SAHRreemplaˈsaɾ
Examples
Tengo que reemplazar la bombilla de la cocina.
I have to replace the kitchen light bulb.
Nadie puede reemplazar a una madre.
Nobody can replace a mother.
El entrenador reemplazó al jugador lesionado.
The coach replaced the injured player.
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'.
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.
sustituir
soos-tee-twee-eersustituˈiɾ
Examples
Voy a sustituir el azúcar por miel en esta receta.
I'm going to replace the sugar with honey in this recipe.
El entrenador decidió sustituir al jugador en el segundo tiempo.
The coach decided to substitute the player in the second half.
Es difícil sustituir a un amigo tan bueno.
It's hard to replace such a good friend.
The 'Y' Rule
For verbs like this that end in -uir, the letter 'i' changes to a 'y' when it's between two vowels. This is why you say 'sustituyo' instead of 'sustituio'.
Using 'Por'
When you are swapping one thing for another, use the word 'por' to introduce the new item: 'Sustituyo A por B'.
Confusing 'con' and 'por'
Mistake: “Sustituir el café con té.”
Correction: Sustituir el café por té. Use 'por' to indicate the replacement, just like a trade.
Missing the 'Y' in the 'doing' form
Mistake: “Estoy sustituiendo la pieza.”
Correction: Estoy sustituyendo la pieza. Remember that the -iendo ending changes to -yendo here.
reponer
rreh-poh-nehrre.poˈneɾ
Examples
Tengo que reponer la leche porque se terminó.
I have to replace the milk because it's finished.
El empleado está reponiendo los productos en el estante.
The employee is restocking the products on the shelf.
Debemos reponer las energías después de correr.
We must replenish our energy after running.
The 'Poner' Pattern
This word is just the word 'poner' (to put) with the prefix 're-'. This means it changes its form exactly like 'poner' does. If you know 'yo pongo', you know 'yo repongo'!
Irregular Past Participle
Unlike most words that end in -er, the past version (used for 'I have...') isn't 'reponido'. It is 'repuesto'. Think of it like the English word 'put' staying similar.
Don't say 'reponido'
Mistake: “He reponido la lámpara.”
Correction: He repuesto la lámpara. (The word uses a special short form 'repuesto' instead of the regular ending).
renovar
reh-noh-BARrenoˈbaɾ
Examples
Vamos a renovar la cocina este verano.
We are going to renovate the kitchen this summer.
La oficina necesita renovar sus equipos informáticos.
The office needs to replace its computer equipment.
Han renovado todo el mobiliario del hotel.
They have replaced all the furniture in the hotel.
Renovar vs Reformar
In Spain, 'reformar' is often used for structural changes in a house, while 'renovar' focuses on making things look new or modern again.
Confusing with 'Remodel'
Mistake: “Voy a remodelar mi cuarto.”
Correction: While 'remodelar' exists, 'renovar' or 'reformar' are much more common in natural Spanish for home projects.
Reemplazar vs. Sustituir
Related Translations
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