Spanish word

cambio

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkambjo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounchange

Example

Hubo un cambio en el plan.

There was a change in the plan.

Illustration for cambio (change)

More examples

Voy a hacer un cambio de horario.

I'm going to make a change to my schedule.

Core concept

Two hands swapping different objects.

Common phrases

  • hacer un cambio

    make a change

  • cambio de planes

    change of plans

  • dar el cambio

    give the change

Similar words

modificación: A modification that tweaks form, content, or details while keeping the core intact.
variación: A variation showing measurable or observable differences in degree or pattern.
transformación: A radical change that transforms appearance, structure, or essence into something new.
sustitución: A substitution that replaces an element with a different one in the same position.

Definition in Spanish

Acción o resultado de sustituir o reemplazar algo por otra cosa; además se usa para indicar la devolución de dinero al pagar y la operación de cambio de divisas.

Word origin

From medieval Latin cambiare meaning 'to exchange', the noun cambio comes from the verb cambiar and denotes replacing or substituting something while also referring to refunds and currency exchange.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Spanish cambio often means the money returned after paying (¿Me da el cambio?), so context decides between 'change' as cash and change as a modification.

Other meanings

  • modificationnoun
  • small changenoun
  • exchangenoun
  • currency exchangenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • cambiarchangeverb
  • cambiantechangingadjective
  • cambiablechangeableadjective

Word lists with this word