Spanish Conversation · Level 28
89 words
Spanish word
cambiar
Pronunciation
IPA/kamˈbjaɾ/
Meaning
- verbchange
Example
Quiero cambiar mi opinión.
I want to change my opinion.
More examples
Tenemos que cambiar de planes por la lluvia.
We have to change our plans because of the rain.
Core concept
An object or situation being swapped out or altered into a different state.
Common phrases
cambiar de opinión
change one's mind
cambiar de tema
change the subject
cambiar de planes
change plans
Similar words
cambiarse: A person changes their clothes, moves to a different place, or alters their personal state.
intercambiar: People exchange items or opinions with one another in a mutual swap.
modificar: A part or feature is adjusted to change how something functions or looks.
variar: Amount, degree, or character changes depending on circumstances or over time.
Definition in Spanish
Hacer que algo pase de un estado a otro o sustituir una cosa por otra.
Word origin
Derives from medieval Latin cambiare 'to exchange', from a root meaning 'swap', and it broadens to denote causing something to pass from one state to another or substituting one thing for another.
Usage tips
- Cambiarse is reflexive for clothes and personal changes, cambiar A por B expresses exchanging one thing for another, and cambiar de + noun marks a change of opinion, topic, or job.