Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Exchange" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "exchange", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り交わす
とりかわす (torikawasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
かわす
かわす (kawasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "exchange" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 取り交わす and かわす.
In Japanese, 取り交わす (とりかわす (torikawasu)) is typically associated with "to exchange (greetings, documents, blows)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies a reciprocal action where two or more parties exchange something, often formal items like contracts, or reciprocal actions like greetings or blows..
On the other hand, かわす (かわす (kawasu)) maps to "to exchange (words, greetings); to dodge, to parry" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Has two main meanings: 'to exchange'. A literal translation of "exchange" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "取り交わす"
両社はついに契約書を取り交わした。
The two companies finally exchanged the contract documents.
Bilingual Context for "かわす"
彼らは笑顔で挨拶をかわした。
They exchanged greetings with smiles.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "両社はついに契約書を取り交わした。" (Meaning: "The two companies finally exchanged the contract documents.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り交わす" fits here because it means "to exchange (greetings, documents, blows)" in the context of: "The two companies finally exchanged the contract documents.". "かわす" represents "to exchange (words, greetings); to dodge, to parry".