Spanish word

intercambio

Pronunciation

IPA/inteɾˈkambjo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounexchange

Example

Hicimos un intercambio de libros.

We made an exchange of books.

Illustration for intercambio (exchange)

More examples

Participé en un intercambio lingüístico para practicar español.

I participated in a language exchange to practice Spanish.

Core concept

Mutual giving and receiving between people.

Common phrases

  • hacer un intercambio

    make an exchange

  • intercambio cultural

    cultural exchange

  • intercambio de ideas

    exchange of ideas

Similar words

cambio: Exchange of goods or money by swapping or paying for other goods, services, or amounts.
intercambio lingüístico: Reciprocal conversation practice where language learners alternate speaking to improve.
intercambio comercial: Trade of goods or services carried out between companies or countries for commercial purposes.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa la acción recíproca de cambiar o compartir cosas, experiencias o información entre personas.

Word origin

Compound of inter- 'mutual' and cambio, with cambio from the verb cambiar (Late Latin cambiare), so the term denotes reciprocal changing.

Usage tips

  • Used for both informal swaps and formal programs (for example intercambio estudiantil or intercambio cultural), while currency exchange is usually expressed with casa de cambio or tipo de cambio.

Opposites

Related words

  • intercambiarexchangeverb
  • intercambiableinterchangeableadjective

Word lists with this word