intercambio de idiomas
/inteɾkambjo de idjomas/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "language exchange" is translated into Spanish as intercambio de idiomas. Wiktionary also lists tandem.
Meaning: language exchange (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| intercambio de idiomas | /inteɾkambjo de idjomas/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| tandem | /ˈtanden/ | masculine |
You may also see the synonymous phrase intercambio de lenguas, which uses lenguas (tongues/languages) instead of idiomas.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase intercambio de idiomas literally translates to "exchange of languages".
Which one should you use?
tandem is a more concise, often more modern or technical way to refer to a language exchange partnership or method.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because intercambio is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine article el when referring to "the language exchange" (el intercambio de idiomas).
Did you know?
- The term tandem is an imported word from German that describes two people riding a bicycle together, symbolizing the balanced effort of two learners supporting each other.
- The word idioma is a loanword from Greek, originating from idioma meaning 'a peculiar characteristic' or 'a private property'.
- The word cambio inside intercambio is a homonym that also means 'small change' or the coins you receive back after a purchase in a shop.
Examples in context
- Me quitaron mi rol de "hablante nativo de inglés" en un servidor de Discord para intercambio de idiomas porque no hablé como hablante nativo.I had my "native English speaker" role removed in a language exchange Discord server because I didn't talk like a native speaker.This sentence illustrates a situation involving an intercambio de idiomas on a Discord server.Tatoeba #11112043 by DJ_Saidez, translation #11112039 by DJ_Saidez
- Hola, ¿te gustaría hacer un intercambio de idiomas?Hi, would you like to do a language exchange?
- Me encantaría mejorar mi inglés y, a cambio, puedo ayudarte a practicar español. ¿Te interesaría hacer un cambio de idiomas?I would love to improve my English, and in exchange, I can help you practice Spanish. Would you be interested in doing a language exchange?
- Estoy buscando a alguien con quien pueda practicar francés. ¿Te apetece un intercambio lingüístico regular?I'm looking for someone to practice French with. Would you be interested in a regular language exchange?
- Busco un intercambio de idiomas en esta ciudad.I am looking for a language exchange in this city.
- El intercambio de idiomas es una buena forma de practicar.Language exchange is a good way to practice.
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking at a café about learning new skills.
- María¿Te interesa participar en un intercambio de idiomas?Are you interested in participating in a language exchange?
- JavierSí, me gustaría mucho practicar mi español.Yes, I would really like to practice my Spanish.
- MaríaPerfecto, yo te ayudo con el inglés.Perfect, I will help you with English.
- Javier¡Trato hecho, María!It's a deal, María!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language exchange” translations and entries intercambio de idiomas, tandem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
