sustituto
/sustiˈtuto/
The Spanish word for 'substitute' is sustituto.
Meaning: to replace X with Y (verb)
Which one should you use?
While sustituto is the noun for a person or thing that replaces another, sustituir is the corresponding verb meaning 'to substitute'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is gendered and takes the feminine form sustituta when referring to a female substitute. The plural form of the masculine noun is sustitutos. The plural form of the feminine noun is sustitutas.
How do you pronounce it?
/sustiˈtuto/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a substitute teacher is often called a suplente rather than a sustituto. Using sustituto in a school context might sound overly formal or like a direct translation from English.
- The word sustituto is used in sports to describe a substitute player, but the act of being substituted is often referred to as el cambio (the change).
- The Spanish verb sustituir is often used interchangeably with reemplazar, but reemplazar more strongly implies that the original thing is gone forever.
Examples in context
- No me agrada el profesor sustituto.I don't like the substitute teacher.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for a sustituto in the context of a teacher.Tatoeba #1836288 by marcelostockle, translation #700997 by Zifre
- No hay sustituto.There's no substitute.This sentence is useful for stating that no sustituto is available.Tatoeba #5309731 by ArtVel, translation #3723528 by CM
- Necesitamos contratar a un sustituto mientras nuestra secretaria está de vacaciones.We need to hire a substitute while our secretary is on vacation.
- El reemplazo del gerente llegará mañana para asegurar una transición fluida.The manager's substitute will arrive tomorrow to ensure a smooth transition.
- El suplente del juez principal tomará su lugar durante la audiencia.The judge's substitute will take his place during the hearing.
- Necesito un sustituto para la reunión de mañana, ¿alguien está disponible?I need a substitute for tomorrow's meeting, is anyone available?
- Buscan un reemplazante para trabajar en el restaurante durante los fines de semana.They're looking for a substitute to work at the restaurant on weekends.
- Mi suplente tendrá que tomar las decisiones en mi ausencia.My substitute will have to make the decisions in my absence.
- Voy a poner un anuncio buscando un sustituto para enseñar guitarra.I'm going to post an ad looking for a substitute to teach guitar.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are talking about a coworker who is sick.
- MaríaDaniel, el jefe busca un sustituto para Juan.Daniel, the boss is looking for a substitute for Juan.
- DanielNo creo que encontremos un sustituto hoy.I don't think we will find a substitute today.
- María¿Puedes hacer tú el trabajo de sustituto?Can you do the substitute work?
- DanielSí, yo puedo ser el sustituto.Yes, I can be the substitute.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sustituto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
