Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Exchange" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "exchange", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
替える
かえる (kaeru)
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 替える and かわす.
In Japanese, 替える (かえる (kaeru)) is typically associated with "to exchange, to replace, to change (something for something else)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Emphasizes replacing one thing with another, often of the same kind.
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 "替える"
古い電池を新しいものに替える。
I will replace the old batteries with new ones.
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: "古い電池を新しいものに ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I will replace the old batteries with new ones.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "替える" fits here because it means "to exchange, to replace, to change (something for something else)" in the context of: "I will replace the old batteries with new ones.". "かわす" represents "to exchange (words, greetings); to dodge, to parry".