Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Exchange" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "exchange", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り替える
とりかえる (torikaeru)
N3 / 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 取り替える and かわす.
In Japanese, 取り替える (とりかえる (torikaeru)) is typically associated with "to exchange, to replace, to change" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when swapping one thing for another, often due to damage, necessity, or preference. Implies taking something out and putting a new one in..
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 "取り替える"
古い電池を新しい電池と取り替えた。
I replaced the old battery with a new one.
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: "古い電池を新しい電池と取り替えた。" (Meaning: "I replaced the old battery with a new one.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り替える" fits here because it means "to exchange, to replace, to change" in the context of: "I replaced the old battery with a new one.". "かわす" represents "to exchange (words, greetings); to dodge, to parry".