sustituto
/sustiˈtuto/
The English word "sub" (meaning substitute) is translated into Spanish as sustituto.
The term sustituto is used to refer to a person or a thing that replaces another. In some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, the word torta is used informally to describe a type of sandwich, which can include the concept of a sub.
Meaning: substitute (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sustituto is the noun used for the substitute itself, the verb sustituir is used to describe the actual act of substituting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some other Latin American countries, torta is an informal way to refer to a sandwich or sub.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on the gender and number of the person or thing being replaced. Use the masculine singular sustituto, the feminine singular sustituta, the masculine plural sustitutos or the feminine plural sustitutas.
How do you pronounce it?
/sustiˈtuto/
Did you know?
- While sustituto is the direct translation for 'substitute', Spanish speakers often use the word suplente specifically for a substitute player in sports.
- In a classroom setting, a substitute teacher is often called a maestro sustituto, but in some regions, they are referred to as interinos if they are filling a temporary government contract.
- The word sustituto shares a common ancestor with the English 'substitute', both tracing back to the Latin 'substituere' meaning 'to put in place of'.
Examples in context
- El evento contará con una selección de alimentos, incluyendo bocadillos tipo submarino.The event will feature a selection of foods, including submarine sandwiches.
- Vamos a pedir unas tortas para la cena.We're going to order some subs for dinner.
- El sustituto llegó tarde a la oficina.The substitute arrived late to the office.
- Necesitamos un sustituto para el profesor.We need a substitute for the teacher.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing a staffing issue at work.
- Daniel¿Ya llamaste al sustituto?Did you already call the substitute?
- SofíaNo, todavía no he contactado a un sustituto.No, I haven't contacted a substitute yet.
- DanielSofía, es urgente encontrar uno.Sofía, it is urgent to find one.
- SofíaLo buscaré ahora mismo.I will look for him right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sustituto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sustituto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
