What is the difference between "交わす" and "かわす"?

"交わす" means "to exchange (words, glances); to cross" (N2), whereas "かわす" represents "to exchange (words, greetings); to dodge, to parry" (N2).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "かわす (kawasu)"

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

Kanji Option A

かわす (kawasu)

N2 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

かわす (kawasu)

N2 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "かわす (kawasu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

交わす (Level: N2): Translates to "to exchange (words, glances); to cross" and is used when Often used for exchanging abstract things like words, greetings, promises, or glances, rather than physical objects..
かわす (Level: N2): Maps to "to exchange (words, greetings); to dodge, to parry" and carries the nuance of Has two main meanings: 'to exchange'.

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

Bilingual Context for "交わす"

私たちは笑顔で挨拶を交わした。

We exchanged greetings with smiles.

Bilingual Context for "かわす"

彼らは笑顔で挨拶をかわした。

They exchanged greetings with smiles.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "私たちは笑顔で挨拶を交わした。" (Meaning: "We exchanged greetings with smiles.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "交わす" is used for "to exchange (words, glances); to cross" in the context: "We exchanged greetings with smiles.".