What is the difference between "返る" and "代える"?

"返る" means "to return, to come back (intransitive)" (N4), whereas "代える" represents "to replace, to substitute" (N3).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "かえる (kaeru)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

かえる (kaeru)

N4 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

かえる (kaeru)

N3 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "かえる (kaeru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

返る (Level: N4): Translates to "to return, to come back (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when something returns to its original state, place, or owner.
代える (Level: N3): Maps to "to replace, to substitute" and carries the nuance of Often used for replacing one item or person with another, or making a change. Similar to 換える.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "返る"

借りた本が机の上に返っていました。

The borrowed book had been returned to the desk.

Bilingual Context for "代える"

壊れた電池を新しいものに代えました。

I replaced the broken battery with a new one.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "借りた本が机の上に返っていました。" (Meaning: "The borrowed book had been returned to the desk.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "返る" is used for "to return, to come back (intransitive)" in the context: "The borrowed book had been returned to the desk.".