交換する
kōkan suru
To replace in Japanese is 交換する (kōkan suru).
交換する is used for exchanging items (like currency or goods) as well as replacing one thing with another in a more formal or technical context.
Meaning: to take the place of, to be used instead of (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun part of the verb, 交換, literally means 'exchange' or 'replacement'.
Which one should you use?
While 交換する often refers to a formal exchange or a systematic replacement, 取り替える is more commonly used for physically swapping one object for another, such as a broken part or a battery.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense form of kōkan suru is 交換した. To ask someone to replace something, use the polite request form 交換してください.
How do you pronounce it?
kōkan suru
Did you know?
- The term 交換日記 (kōkan nikki) refers to a 'replacement diary', where two friends share a single notebook and trade it back and forth to write messages.
- The kanji 換 in 交換する is also used in 換気, which means 'ventilation'. In this context, it refers to 'replacing' old indoor air with fresh outdoor air.
- If you want to replace a person in a job or a position, you wouldn't use 交換する because it sounds like swapping inanimate objects. Instead, you would use 交代する (kōtai suru), which implies a change of guard or a shift change.
Examples in context
- 彼女は新しいボタンで古いものを 交換しました 。She replaced the old one with a new button.
- 会社は故障した機器を 交換します 。The company will replace the malfunctioning equipment.
- 新しいバッテリーに 切り替えましょう ！Let's replace it with a new battery!
- 古い部品を新しいものに交換する。Furui buhin o atarashii mono ni koukan suru.Replace the old parts with new ones.
- このカードを別のカードと交換する。Kono kaado o betsu no kaado to koukan suru.Replace this card with another card.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are fixing a broken lamp together.
- 結衣 Yui電球が切れているね。denkyuu ga kirete iru ne.The light bulb is burnt out, isn't it?
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。すぐに交換するよ。sou da ne. sugu ni koukan suru yo.You're right. I'll replace it right away.
- 結衣 Yui予備の電球はある？yobi no denkyuu wa aru?Do we have a spare bulb?
- 健太 Kentaうん、棚にあるよ。un, tana ni aru yo.Yes, it's on the shelf.
