cambiar

Cambiar is a Spanish verb with a broad range of meanings centered on making something different or replacing one thing with another. It can refer to altering a physical property or state, such as cambiar la ropa or cambiar de aspecto, as well as to exchanging objects, money, or ideas. In many contexts, cambiar is used reflexively or in constructions that express a shift of position, opinion, or location (por ejemplo, cambiar de casa, cambiar de opinión, cambiar de canal).

Etymology: The verb is descended from Latin cambiare, transmitted through Old French changer, with the basic sense of exchanging or exchanging for another. Over time, its use broadened to cover general notions of alteration and substitution.

Grammar and usage: Cambiar is a regular -ar verb. Key forms include: present indicative cambio, cambias, cambia, cambiamos, cambiáis, cambian; preterite cambié, cambiaste, cambió, cambiamos, cambiasteis, cambiaron; imperfect cambiaba, cambiabas, cambiaba, cambiábamos, cambiabais, cambiaban; gerund cambiando; past participle cambiado. The verb is transitive and often takes a direct object: cambiar una llanta, cambiar dinero. With cambio of state or place, phrases like cambiar de + sustantivo are common: cambiar de opinión, cambiar de casa, cambiar de canal. A reflexive form, cambiarse, describes changing oneself or changing clothes.

Relationship to synonyms: Cambiar generally conveys substitution or alteration. Intercambiar emphasizes mutual exchange between two or more parties. In many contexts, especially for money or goods, cambiar is the standard term (cambiar dinero por euros). For abstract or reciprocal exchanges, intercambiar or true versions of cambiar con can also appear.

Examples: Voy a cambiar dinero antes del viaje. Ella cambió de opinión. Me cambié de ropa antes de la reunión. Cambiaron la hora de la reunión. Cambiar de canal.