When working with Spanish-speaking patients, healthcare professionals often need to make gentle suggestions or offer alternatives—especially when discussing lifestyle or diet changes. Knowing how to say “instead of” in Spanish can help you communicate clearly and respectfully.
In this post, you’ll learn some common ways to say “instead of” in Spanish and see examples of how to use each when giving practical suggestions in medical or nutrition consultations.
1. ✅ En vez de — “Instead of”
“En vez de” is the most direct and commonly used way to say “instead of”. It’s great for offering clear alternatives.
📌 Example:
🗣️ En vez de tomar refrescos, trate de beber más agua.
👉 Instead of drinking soda, try to drink more water.
🗣️ En vez de quedarse despierto hasta tarde, intente acostarse más temprano.
👉 Instead of staying up late, try going to bed earlier.
2. ✅ En lugar de — “In place of / Instead of”
This is another formal and clear way to express alternatives. It’s often used interchangeably with en vez de, but may sound a bit more neutral or polite.
📌 Example:
🗣️ En lugar de comer pan blanco, elija pan integral.
👉 Instead of eating white bread, choose whole wheat bread.
🗣️ En lugar de conducir, ¿ha considerado caminar 15 minutos al día?
👉 Instead of driving, have you considered walking 15 minutes a day?
3. ✅ Mejor — “Better / Rather”
The word “mejor” (better) can imply a suggestion for a better alternative. It’s not always a direct translation of “instead of,” but it works well when gently recommending a different choice.
📌 Example:
🗣️ Mejor coma frutas frescas que dulces procesados.
👉 Better to eat fresh fruit than processed sweets.
🗣️ Mejor tome café sin azúcar.
👉 Better to drink coffee without sugar.
4. ✅ En cambio — “Instead / On the other hand”
“En cambio” is often used to contrast two actions or habits. It can be used instead of or after a statement to offer another option.
📌 Example:
🗣️ No haga ejercicio solo los fines de semana. En cambio, intente moverse un poco todos los días.
👉 Don’t exercise only on weekends. Instead, try moving a little every day.
🗣️ Muchos comen rápido y no mastican bien. En cambio, es mejor comer despacio.
👉 Many people eat quickly and don’t chew well. Instead, it’s better to eat slowly.
Comparison Table
| English | Spanish Option | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Instead of | En vez de | Most direct, everyday speech |
| Instead of / In place of | En lugar de | Slightly more formal |
| Better / Rather | Mejor | Implies a better alternative |
| On the other hand / Instead | En cambio | To contrast behaviors or actions |
These simple Spanish phrases—“en vez de,” “en lugar de,” “mejor,” “en cambio,” —can help you communicate clearly and respectfully when working with Spanish-speaking patients. They’re especially useful for nutritionists, doctors, nurses, and wellness coaches offering lifestyle or dietary recommendations.
💬 Whether you’re saying “instead of sugar, use honey,” or “instead of sitting all day, take short walks,” these expressions will help your message come across naturally and effectively.
