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How to Say "to substitute" in Spanish

English → Spanish

reemplazar

re-ehm-plah-SAHRreemplaˈsaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'reemplazar' when you are swapping one item for another, especially when the original item is worn out, broken, or no longer functional.
A hand placing a fresh, whole apple onto a table where a core used to be, showing one being swapped for the other.

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

verbB1general
Use 'sustituir' when you are replacing something with something else, often in contexts like cooking, sports, or when introducing an alternative.
A hand placing a fresh, whole apple on a table where a core used to be.

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

verbA2general
Use 'reponer' specifically when you need to replace something that has been used up, consumed, or is broken and needs to be replenished.
A hand placing a single colorful book back into a gap on a wooden bookshelf.

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).

Choosing between 'reemplazar' and 'reponer'

The most common mistake is using 'reemplazar' when 'reponer' is more appropriate. Remember, 'reponer' implies replenishment of something consumed or broken, while 'reemplazar' is a more general swap. Think of 'reponer' for consumables like milk or batteries, and 'reemplazar' for items like a broken chair.

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