Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| cambiare | /kamˈbja.re/ |
| mutare | /muˈta.re/ |
The primary way to express becoming something different is with the verb cambiare. This is a versatile word used for general changes such as changing an opinion, a setting or clothes. For the specific idiomatic expression 'to change one's mind', Italians say cambiare idea, which literally means 'to change idea'. When you are specifically referring to the act of changing one's own clothes, the reflexive form cambiarsi is used.
Which one should you use?
While cambiare is the common verb for everyday changes, mutare is more formal. Mutare often implies a profound, biological or structural transformation, such as a virus mutating or the weather changing.
Related words
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to use cambio to mean the money returned to you after a purchase. While English speakers sometimes make this mistake, the correct Italian word for balance returned after a purchase is resto.
Did you know?
- The Italian word cambio can refer to the gear shift in a car or the exchange rate of currencies.
- The word cambiare is a doublet of the word cangiare.
Examples in context
- È ora di cambiare.It's time to change.This sentence uses cambiare to express the necessity of change.Tatoeba #3463587 by Guybrush88, translation #3825805 by CK
- Tom lo può cambiare.Tom can change that.This sentence uses cambiare to show ability to change something.Tatoeba #7985220 by Guybrush88, translation #5757400 by CM
- Tu non devi cambiare.You don't have to change.This sentence uses cambiare to express a lack of obligation to change.Tatoeba #4517836 by Guybrush88, translation #4496425 by CK
- Sono avvenuti molti cambiamenti nel dipartimentoThere have been many changes in the department.
- Il mutamento climatico è una preoccupazione globaleClimate change is a global concern.
- È necessaria una modifica delle politiche aziendaliA change in company policies is necessary.
- La trasformazione del mercato ha reso necessarie nuove strategieThe transformation of the market has made new strategies necessary.
- Ho deciso di cambiare lavoroI have decided to change jobs.
- Ho modificato il mio indirizzo emailI changed my email address.
- Hanno fatto delle variazioni al menu del ristoranteThey made some changes to the restaurant menu.
- 545 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are talking about their career paths in a cafe.
- FrancescoVorrei cambiare lavoro presto.I would like to change jobs soon.
- MartinaHai voglia di cambiare città?Do you want to change cities?
- FrancescoSì, voglio cambiare vita.Yes, I want to change my life.
- MartinaTi capisco, anche io vorrei cambiare.I understand you, I would like to change too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “change” translations and entries cambiare, mutare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cambiare, mutare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
