PURPOSE: to analyze the semantics of the statement of changes were in the process of development of language. METHODS: the study included 10 children in the process of development of language, between three and four years, without complaint and / or hearing and cognitive impairments. Data collection was performed through the observation and recording, audio and video, playful interaction situations RESULTS: in the statements of children aged 3 years, it was observed that there was a higher occurrence of super-extension only in relation to sub-extension (p=0,039) and that there was a trend to higher incidence when compared with the proximity phonologic (p=0,053), deitic (p=0,053) and relation of contiguity (p=0,083). In the statements of children aged 4 years, there was a higher occurrence of periphrasis in relation to sub extension (p=0,012) and proximity phonologic (p=0,012). There was no difference between the semantic changes studied between the ages of 3 and 4 years. CONCLUSION: the variations were most frequent semantic super-extension and periphrasis.