intercambien

Intercambien is a conjugated form of the Spanish verb intercambiar, meaning to exchange or swap. It serves as the third-person plural present subjunctive (que ellos/ellas/ustedes intercambien) and as the formal second-person plural imperative for ustedes in affirmative commands. In everyday usage, it appears in subordinate clauses and in formal instructions addressed to a group.

Etymology and grammar: Intercambiar comes from inter- meaning between and cambiar meaning to change or exchange. Intercambien is produced by the standard -ar verb conjugation pattern in the present subjunctive for the third-person plural, as well as by the imperative mood for ustedes. This form is part of the broader set of subjunctive endings used to express wishes, doubts, possibilities, or recommendations.

Usage and examples: In a subordinate clause, one might say, “Espero que ustedes intercambien ideas.” In direct instruction, a speaker may issue a command to a group: “Intercambien estos objetos para completar el inventario.” The form is common in formal writing, official guidance, and regions where the ustedes form is standard for addressing multiple people.

Pronunciation and notes: Intercambien is pronounced with the stress on the cam syllable: in-ter-CAM-bien. As a verb form, it does not carry a standalone meaning beyond the action described by intercambiar.

See also: Intercambiar, Intercambio, Subjunctive mood in Spanish.