intercambio
Lemma Details
Translation: exchange; interchange; swap; trade; barter
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'intercambium', composed of 'inter' (between) and 'cambium' (exchange). The Latin 'cambium' comes from 'cambiare' (to change, exchange), which is also the root of English words like 'change' and 'exchange'. The prefix 'inter-' indicates a mutual or reciprocal action between two parties, emphasizing the two-way nature of an exchange.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Participé en un intercambio estudiantil en España.
I participated in a student exchange in Spain.
El intercambio de información es crucial para este proyecto.
The exchange of information is crucial for this project.
Hicimos un intercambio de regalos durante la fiesta.
We did a gift exchange during the party.
El intercambio comercial entre los dos países ha aumentado.
The trade exchange between the two countries has increased.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'inter' (between) + 'cambio' (change) = exchange between parties
- Sounds like 'interchange' in English, which has a similar meaning
- Remember 'cambio' means 'change' in Spanish, and 'inter' suggests between two entities
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'intercambio' is commonly used in educational contexts to refer to student exchange programs. It's also frequently used in business and diplomatic contexts to describe trade relationships and cultural exchanges between countries.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Intercambio' refers specifically to an exchange between two parties, while 'cambio' is more general and can mean any change or exchange, including giving change for money.
Confused word:
Necesito cambio para el autobús.
I need change for the bus.
Notes: 'Intercambio' implies reciprocity, while 'cambio' can be one-sided.
Mnemonic: 'Intercambio' has 'inter' (between), suggesting interaction between two parties; 'cambio' alone is just 'change'.
Explanation: 'Intercambio' focuses on the act of exchanging items or ideas, while 'comercio' refers to commerce or trade as a business activity.
This word:
El intercambio cultural enriquece a ambos países.
Cultural exchange enriches both countries.
Confused word:
El comercio internacional es vital para la economía.
International commerce is vital for the economy.
Notes: 'Intercambio' can be non-commercial, while 'comercio' is always related to business transactions.
Mnemonic: Think of 'intercambio' as swapping things directly, while 'comercio' involves buying and selling in a marketplace.