intercambio
/inteɾˈkambjo/masculine
The Spanish word for 'exchange' (noun) is intercambio.
intercambio is used to describe the act of exchanging or trading. It is used in the phrase estudiante de intercambio to refer to an exchange student. For the related action of trading or bartering, you may use cambiar or intercambiar, while canjear is used specifically when you are redeeming things like coupons, points or vouchers for a product or prize.
Meaning: act of exchanging or trading (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word intercambio is composed of the prefix inter- (meaning between or among) and cambio (meaning change or exchange).
Which one should you use?
While intercambiar implies a mutual swap between two parties, the verb canjear is used specifically for redeeming items such as points or vouchers.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, intercambio is preceded by the masculine definite article el to form el intercambio (the exchange).
How do you pronounce it?
/inteɾˈkambjo/
Did you know?
- While intercambio refers to the act of exchange, the word trueque is used specifically for the ancient practice of bartering goods without money.
- In a social context, intercambio de regalos is the common term for a 'Secret Santa' or gift exchange party during the holidays.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the verb cambiar is used to describe changing clothes. To say you are going to change your outfit, you use the same word for 'exchange'.
Examples in context
- Tomás era un estudiante de intercambio.Tom was an exchange student.This sentence shows how to use intercambio to refer to an exchange student.Tatoeba #5130188 by don_ramon, translation #5130151 by CK
- Él es un estudiante de intercambio extranjero.He's a foreign exchange student.This sentence demonstrates the use of intercambio for a foreign exchange student.Tatoeba #1672036 by marcelostockle, translation #1671775 by Spamster
- Fabio está intentando entrar en un programa de intercambio lingüístico.Fabio is trying to get into a language exchange program.This sentence illustrates the phrase intercambio within the context of a language exchange program.Tatoeba #1304236 by hayastan, translation #10039130 by DJ_Saidez
- El intercambio culturalCultural exchange
- un cambio de ideasAn exchange of ideas
- Hemos organizado un intercambio de libros en la biblioteca.We have organized a book exchange at the library.
- En el trueque, se intercambian bienes sin usar dinero.In bartering, goods are exchanged without using money.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about their hobby of collecting stamps.
- DanielSofía, ¿quieres hacer un intercambio de sellos?Sofía, do you want to do a stamp exchange?
- SofíaSí, me parece una idea excelente.Yes, I think that is an excellent idea.
- DanielEl intercambio sería justo y equilibrado.The exchange would be fair and balanced.
- SofíaPerfecto, Daniel. Trae tu colección mañana.Perfect, Daniel. Bring your collection tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exchange” translations and entries intercambio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
