Inklingo

How to Say "to swap" in Spanish

The Spanish word forto swapis intercambiarA2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2
verbA2
informal trading of items or places
Two people smiling and handing each other different colored gift boxes at the same time.

Examples

Podemos intercambiar nuestros números de teléfono.

We can exchange our phone numbers.

Ellos decidieron intercambiar regalos durante la cena.

They decided to swap gifts during the dinner.

Es importante intercambiar ideas para mejorar el proyecto.

It is important to trade ideas to improve the project.

Using 'con' for partners

When you exchange something with someone, use the word 'con'. For example: 'Intercambié mi libro con ella' (I exchanged my book with her).

A regular -ar verb

Even though it looks like a long word, it follows the exact same patterns as 'hablar' or 'cantar'. If you know those, you know this!

Cambiar vs. Intercambiar

Mistake:Using 'intercambiar' when you just want to replace something old with something new.

Correction: Use 'cambiar' to replace a lightbulb or change your clothes. Use 'intercambiar' for a two-way trade where both sides give and receive.

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