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cambiar means to change; exchange — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 12, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

cambiar

verb • /[kam-BYAR]/

to change; exchange

Example:

Necesito cambiar dólares por pesos.

I need to exchange dollars for pesos.

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🧠 What does cambiar mean?

Cambiar is a versatile Spanish verb meaning 'to change' or 'to exchange.' It's a must-know for travelers because it covers everything from changing your money to changing your plans. It can refer to altering something, swapping one thing for another, or even switching locations. Understanding its nuances will significantly enhance your communication skills in various travel situations.

📚 Extra examples

  • Necesito cambiar dólares a euros.
    I need to change dollars to euros.
  • Voy a cambiar de hotel.
    I'm going to change hotels.
  • ¿Podemos cambiar la fecha del vuelo?
    Can we change the flight date?
  • Cambié de opinión sobre el restaurante.
    I changed my mind about the restaurant.
  • Ella cambió el libro por una revista.
    She exchanged the book for a magazine.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to change; exchange' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'to change' or 'to exchange' is 'cambiar.'
How do you pronounce 'cambiar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced kam-bee-AR, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'cambiar' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: 'Necesito cambiar dinero' (I need to change money), 'Quiero cambiar de asiento' (I want to change seats), '¿Puedes cambiar el canal?' (Can you change the channel?).
What is the English translation of 'cambiar'?
'Cambiar' translates to 'to change' or 'to exchange' in English.
Does 'cambiar' change for gender or number?
No, 'cambiar' conjugates based on the subject pronoun (yo, tú, él/ella/usted, nosotros, vosotros, ellos/ellas/ustedes) but doesn't change for gender or number itself.
Is 'cambiar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'cambiar' is a very common verb used in everyday conversations.
Does 'cambiar' have slang or double meanings?
While 'cambiar' itself doesn't have many slang uses, the context can sometimes create double meanings. For example, 'cambiar de aires' means 'to have a change of scenery.'
Is 'cambiar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning of 'cambiar' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. However, some regional variations in slang or colloquial expressions might exist.
How do you conjugate 'cambiar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense: cambio, cambias, cambia, cambiamos, cambiáis, cambian.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cambiar"

Synonyms: modificar, alterar, intercambiar, canjear
Opposites: mantener, conservar

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'cambiar' comes from the Latin word 'cambiare,' which also means 'to change' or 'to exchange.'

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