Which one should you use?
As a noun, cambio can refer to a general transformation or the coins and notes returned after a transaction. If you are using the word as a verb, the form cambio specifically means 'I change', whereas the infinitive 'to change' is cambiar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the context of money returned after a purchase, the word vuelto is used in Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. In Spain, the term suelto is used specifically to refer to small change.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cambio can be the first-person singular present indicative of the verb cambiar (meaning 'I change'). Other forms of this verb include cambia, which is the third-person singular present indicative (meaning 'he/she/it changes') and the infinitive cambiar (meaning 'to change').
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkambjo/
Did you know?
- The word cambio is used in Spanish radio communications to signal that the speaker has finished talking and is waiting for a response, similar to the English word 'over'.
- If you want to say 'to change your mind' in Spanish, you do not use 'cambiar la mente', but rather the idiom cambiar de parecer.
- The verb cambiar can be used reflexively, cambiarse, to mean 'to change one's clothes', which is a very common daily expression.
Examples in context
- Él no notó el cambio.He didn't notice the change.This sentence illustrates the use of cambio as a noun meaning a transformation.Tatoeba #2266192 by hayastan, translation #2266191 by _undertoad
- Se ha dejado el cambio.You have forgotten your change.This sentence shows how to refer to forgotten money returned after a transaction using cambio.Tatoeba #1641797 by Shishir, translation #1641791 by Amastan
- Cuente usted el cambio.Count your change.This sentence demonstrates how to instruct someone to count their money returned after a transaction using cambio.Tatoeba #2264784 by cueyayotl, translation #2264783 by _undertoad
- El cambio de clima en la costa es notable.The change in climate on the coast is noticeable.
- Necesito cambio para el estacionamiento.I need change for the parking.
- Tuve que hacer un cambio de planes repentino.I had to make a sudden change of plans.
- Debes hacer una modificación en tu solicitud.You need to make a change in your application.
- ¿Tienes cambio para el bus?Do you have change for the bus?
- ¿Cuál es mi vuelto?What is my change?
- No tengo billetes grandes, solo suelto.I don't have big bills, only small change.
- 145 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are talking about their new apartment.
- LucíaEl barrio ha cambiado mucho.The neighborhood has changed a lot.
- AlejandroSí, la ciudad siempre cambia.Yes, the city always changes.
- LucíaYo cambio de opinión constantemente.I change my mind constantly.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, Lucía.Don't worry, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cambio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
