Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| scambiare | /skamˈbja.re/ |
| barattare | /ba.ratˈta.re/ |
| permutare | /per.muˈta.re/ |
| commutare | /kom.muˈta.re/ |
The verb 'to swap' is expressed through several different Italian words depending on the specific context of the exchange. Use scambio as the standard noun for a general exchange or swap. If you are referring specifically to a barter-based exchange of goods, use the noun baratto. In a financial context, particularly regarding derivatives, both permuta and scambio can be used as nouns.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what is being swapped. scambiare is the most common and versatile way to say 'to exchange' or 'to swap' in everyday contexts. barattare is used specifically when swapping goods or services without using money, similar to 'bartering'. permutare is a technical or formal term used in mathematics, logic or finance to describe a swap or permutation. Finally, commutare is a highly formal term often used in legal contexts, such as commuting a sentence or swapping one legal state for another.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using scambiare to mean swapping one thing for another, you use the preposition 'con' (scambiare A con B).
How do you pronounce it?
scambiare is pronounced /skamˈbja.re/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word scambiare can also mean 'to mistake' or 'to confuse' one person or thing for another.
- The Italian word scambio is used for a train 'transfer' or 'connection' at a station.
- In Italian, the word scambio is used for both a physical swap and the 'exchange' of glances or smiles between two people.
Examples in context
- Ho scambiato la mia macchina con quella del mio amico.I swapped my car with my friend's.
- Ho cambiato la mia stanza con quella di mia sorella.I swapped my room with my sister's.
- Ci siamo scambiati i libri per il weekend.We swapped books for the weekend.
- Ho barattato la mia bicicletta con quella di Daniele.I swapped my bike with Daniele's.
- Ho scambiato il mio libro con il tuo.I swapped my book with yours.
- Vuoi scambiare la tua mela con la mia?Do you want to swap your apple with mine?
- Possiamo scambiare i posti a sedere?Can we swap seats?
- Devo scambiare questo libro con un altro.I need to exchange this book for another one.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their study materials in a cafe.
- MartinaAlessandro, hai un evidenziatore blu?Alessandro, do you have a blue highlighter?
- AlessandroSì, vuoi scambiare il tuo con il mio?Yes, do you want to swap yours with mine?
- MartinaSì, grazie, il mio è quasi finito.Yes, thanks, mine is almost finished.
- AlessandroPrego, Martina, nessun problema.You're welcome, Martina, no problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swap” translations and entries scambiare, barattare, permutare, commutare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
