What does "code-switch" mean?

To alternate between two or more languages, typically in spoken conversation.

What is a synonym for "code-switch"?

Common synonyms include: code-mix.

Code-switch

verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Verb

1
To alternate between two or more languages, typically in spoken conversation. intransitive
2
To change the dialect or register in which one speaks a language. intransitive
3
To change from playing rugby league to rugby union or vice versa. intransitive

Synonyms

All synonyms

code-mix

Example

More examples

"In the borders between Portugal and Spain and between Brazil and its Hispanic neighbours, many people just learn each other's language, and often they code-switch between Portuguese and Spanish."

Related phrases

code-switcher

More for "code-switch"

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.