cambiar

Senses

1. 1.

   to change, to alter

   to make or become different in form, appearance, or character

2. 2.

   to exchange, to swap

   to give one thing and receive another in return

3. 3.

   to change (clothes)

   to replace garments with different ones

4. 4.

   to change (money)

   to convert currency or give coins/notes for equivalent value

Examples

• "Necesito cambiar de opinión sobre esto."

  I need to change my mind about this.

• "¿Puedes cambiarme este billete por monedas?"

  Can you change this bill into coins for me?

• "Me voy a cambiar de ropa para la fiesta."

  I'm going to change my clothes for the party.

Usage

Cambiar is one of the most common verbs in Spanish. It typically takes a direct object (*cambiar algo*) but often appears in reflexive form (*cambiarse de ropa*) or with prepositions (*cambiar de trabajo*, *cambiar por*). Common mistake: learners sometimes use *cambiar* alone when they should specify what is changing (cambiar + de + noun) or what is being exchanged.