Change the subject Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈtʃeɪndʒ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈsəbdʒɪkt/, /səbˈdʒɛkt

CHAYNJ thuh SUHB-jikt

UK

tʃˈeɪndʒ/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈsʌb.dʒɪkt

CHAYNJ thuh SUB-jikt

Definition

To start talking about something different, often to avoid discussing a certain topic.

Usage & Nuances

This phrase is often used in both formal and informal conversations, usually when someone wants to avoid or stop talking about something uncomfortable. Commonly used as 'Let's change the subject' or 'He changed the subject.'

• Spanish: cambiar de tema - cambiar de asunto
• Portuguese (BR): mudar de assunto - trocar de assunto
• Portuguese (PT): mudar de assunto - trocar de assunto
• Chinese (Simplified): 换个话题 - 转移话题
• Chinese (Traditional): 換個話題 - 轉移話題
• Hindi: विषय बदलना
• Arabic: تغيير الموضوع
• Bengali: বিষয় পরিবর্তন করা - প্রসঙ্গ পাল্টানো
• Russian: перевести разговор на другую тему - сменить тему
• Japanese: 話題を変える
• Vietnamese: đổi chủ đề
• Korean: 화제를 돌리다
• Turkish: konuyu değiştirmek
• Urdu: موضوع بدل دینا
• Indonesian: mengganti topik

Example Sentences

Can we change the subject?

basic

He tried to change the subject when I asked about his job.

basic

She likes to change the subject when she's nervous.

basic

Let's change the subject before things get awkward.

natural

Whenever politics come up, he quickly changes the subject.

natural

I could tell she wanted to change the subject, so I didn't push.

natural