For "to spell" (as in, to say the letters of a word):
* épeler: This is the most common verb meaning "to spell"
For "spell" (as in, a period of time):
* période: This is a general word for "period."
* sortilège: This means "spell" in the magical sense.
* incantation: This means "incantation" or "spell" in a more specific magical context.
For "spell" (as in, to be a substitute):
* remplacer: This means "to replace."
Example sentences:
* Peux-tu épeler ton nom? (Can you spell your name?)
* Il a passé une période difficile. (He had a difficult time.)
* La sorcière a jeté un sortilège sur le prince. (The witch cast a spell on the prince.)
* Elle a dû remplacer son collègue malade. (She had to replace her sick colleague.)
Remember to use the appropriate word based on the context!