Cambiar can mean to alter something or exchange it for something else.
The idea
Use cambiar de for a change of seat and cambiar algo por for an exchange.
Examples
- Cambio un billete por monedas.I exchange a banknote for coins.
- Ana cambia de asiento.Ana changes seats.
- Cambiamos la fecha de la cita.We change the date of the appointment.
- La tienda cambia sus horarios.The shop changes its hours.
- ¿Cambias el agua de las flores?Do you change the water for the flowers?
- El tiempo cambia rápidamente.The weather changes quickly.
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Watch out
Cambiar de asiento names the category changed; por names what is received in exchange.
Try it yourself
Choose the present form for yo: Yo ___ la fecha. (cambio / cambia)
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cambio
Cambio is the present form used with the subject yo.
Choose the preposition for what is received in exchange: Cambio un billete ___ monedas. (por / de)
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por
Por introduces the coins received in exchange.
Choose the preposition for changing seats: Ana deja un asiento y toma otro: cambia ___ asiento. (de / por)
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de
Cambiar de asiento means to change seats.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the present form for yo: Yo ___ la fecha. (cambio / cambia)
Choose the preposition for what is received in exchange: Cambio un billete ___ monedas. (por / de)
Choose the preposition for changing seats: Ana deja un asiento y toma otro: cambia ___ asiento. (de / por)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe changing an appointment date and exchanging money.