Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Exchange" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "exchange", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
交換
こうかん (koukan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見交わす
みかわす (mikawasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "exchange" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 交換 and 見交わす.
In Japanese, 交換 (こうかん (koukan)) is typically associated with "exchange, interchange, replacement" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to giving and receiving something, or replacing an old item with a new one. Can be a noun or verb.
On the other hand, 見交わす (みかわす (mikawasu)) maps to "to exchange glances; to look at each other" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when two or more people look at each other simultaneously, often conveying an unspoken understanding or reaction.. A literal translation of "exchange" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "交換"
名刺を交換しましょう。
Let's exchange business cards.
Bilingual Context for "見交わす"
二人は互いに目を合わせて、いたずらっぽく見交わした。
The two looked each other in the eye and exchanged mischievous glances.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "名刺を ＿＿＿ しましょう。" (Meaning: "Let's exchange business cards.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "交換" fits here because it means "exchange, interchange, replacement" in the context of: "Let's exchange business cards.". "見交わす" represents "to exchange glances; to look at each other".