intercambio
nounCEFR B2
What does “intercambio” mean in English?
1.exchange, transfer
exchange, transfer (the giving and receiving of something; intercambio cultural / de información; programa de intercambio)
2.academic/study exchange — a structured programme where students spend time at a foreign institution
academic/study exchange — a structured programme where students spend time at a foreign institution (año de intercambio; programa de intercambio; intercambio lingüístico)
Example sentences
El intercambio de información entre los servicios de inteligencia de los países aliados resulta imprescindible para anticipar amenazas.
The exchange of intelligence information between allied countries' services is essential for anticipating threats.
El libre intercambio de bienes y servicios dentro del mercado único europeo es uno de los logros más valorados de la UE.
The free exchange of goods and services within the European single market is one of the EU's most valued achievements.
El intercambio de correos electrónicos entre ambos candidatos se publicó sin su consentimiento.
The exchange of emails between the two candidates was published without their consent.
How to use it
El intercambio (noun, masculine) means 'exchange, swap, transfer' — the reciprocal giving and receiving of something. Sense 1: exchange of information, ideas, opinions, or goods (intercambio de información/experiencias/bienes). At B2 this sense is dominant in diplomatic, intellectual, and commercial discourse. Core collocations: intercambio de información/ideas/opiniones; intercambio comercial; libre intercambio; propiciar/fomentar el intercambio. The verb is intercambiar. Distinguish from trueque (barter) and canje (exchange/redemption, especially of vouchers or prisoners).
Common mistake
Don't confuse intercambio (exchange — mutual giving/receiving) with canje (exchange of vouchers, prisoners, or assets — more transactional). For academic/study exchange, use intercambio (see the separate intercambio-academico atom). 'Currency exchange' = cambio de divisas (not *intercambio de divisas, though both appear).