Inklingo

How to Say "to switch" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cambiar

kahm-bee-AHRkamˈbjaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'cambiar' when you are replacing one thing with another, or when an item is no longer in its original state or place.
Two friendly cartoon figures facing each other, actively exchanging two distinct objects: one is handing over a red cube while receiving a blue sphere from the other.

Examples

Necesito cambiar la bombilla quemada.

I need to change the burnt-out lightbulb.

¿Dónde puedo cambiar dinero?

Where can I exchange money?

Necesito cambiar esta camisa por una talla más grande.

I need to exchange this shirt for a larger size.

Cambiamos los muebles de lugar para tener más espacio.

We changed the furniture around (switched the places of the furniture) to have more space.

The Magic Word: 'por'

When you exchange one thing FOR another, always use the word 'por'. The structure is: cambiar [thing A] por [thing B]. For example, 'Cambié mi sándwich por tu ensalada' (I traded my sandwich for your salad).

Using 'para' Instead of 'por'

Mistake: “Quiero cambiar este billete para monedas.”

Correction: Quiero cambiar este billete por monedas. In an exchange, 'por' is the word that means 'in return for'. 'Para' means 'for the purpose of' and doesn't fit here.

intercambiar

een-tehr-kahm-byahrinteɾkamˈbjaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'intercambiar' when two or more parties are giving something to each other, such as items, information, or places.
Two people smiling and handing each other different colored gift boxes at the same time.

Examples

Los niños intercambiaron cromos en el recreo.

The children exchanged trading cards during recess.

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.

Choosing Between 'Cambiar' and 'Intercambiar'

Learners often confuse 'cambiar' and 'intercambiar' when the action involves more than one person or item. Remember, 'cambiar' is usually about a one-way replacement, while 'intercambiar' implies a reciprocal exchange.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.