The simple present tense of cambiar is used to describe actions happening in the present moment or habitual actions. For example, Cambio de ropa después del trabajo. (I change clothes after work.)

Cambiar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the simple present follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Cambiar (to change) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Cambiar generally means to change or to exchange, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To change: For example, Yo cambio de opinión con frecuencia. (I change my mind frequently.)

To exchange: For example, Cambiamos regalos cada año. (We exchange gifts every year.)

To switch: For example, Cambio de canal cuando hay comerciales. (I switch channels when there are commercials.)

To transform: For example, La mariposa cambia de oruga a insecto. (The butterfly transforms from a caterpillar to an insect.)

To substitute: For example, Cambio la leche por jugo. (I substitute milk for juice.)

To convert (currency): For example, Cambio dólares por pesos. (I convert dollars to pesos.)

To replace: For example, Cambio las llantas desgastadas. (I replace the worn tires.)

To alter (clothes): For example, Cambio el vestido para que me quede mejor. (I alter the dress so it fits me better.)

Colloquial: To change clothes: For example, Me cambio antes de salir. (I change clothes before going out.)

Slang: To change one’s mind: For example, Cambio de idea, mejor vamos al cine. (I changed my mind, let’s go to the movies instead.)

Examples

Examples of Cambiar in the Present Tense

Yo cambio de opinión con frecuencia. (I change my mind frequently.)

Tú cambias el canal de televisión demasiado. (You change the TV channel too much.)

Ella cambia su look cada temporada. (She changes her look every season.)

Nosotros cambiamos de rutina para mantenernos motivados. (We change our routine to stay motivated.)

Ellos cambian de trabajo con frecuencia. (They change jobs frequently.)

¿Cambias tus hábitos alimenticios de vez en cuando? (Do you change your eating habits from time to time?)

Mi jefe cambia de opinión constantemente. (My boss changes their mind constantly.)

Nosotros cambiamos el menú cada semana. (We change the menu every week.)

Ellos cambian de casa cada año. (They change houses every year.)

¿Cambias tu estilo de ropa según la ocasión? (Do you change your clothing style according to the occasion?)

La tecnología cambia rápidamente en estos días. (Technology changes rapidly these days.)

Nosotros cambiamos nuestras rutinas para mantenernos en forma. (We change our routines to stay in shape.)

Ellos cambian de carro cada pocos años. (They change cars every few years.)

¿Cambias tu actitud cuando estás estresado? (Do you change your attitude when you’re stressed?)

Las modas cambian constantemente. (Fashions change constantly.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Cambiar (to change) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.