Translation guide
The act or process of substituting one thing for another, or a person or thing that takes the place of another.
Expressing the action of replacing something with something else.
General term for exchange or replacement, often used when swapping items or parts.
部品の交換が必要です。
The part needs replacement.
Replacement, especially for parts or consumables. Often used for things like batteries, filters, etc.
電池の取り替えをお願いします。
Please replace the batteries.
Substitution or alternative, often used in formal or technical contexts.
代替品を探しています。
I'm looking for a replacement product.
Replacement, often implying a one-to-one substitution, used in both physical and abstract contexts.
この単語を別の単語に置き換えてください。
Please replace this word with another word.
Replacement, often for something inserted or slotted in, like a card or a page.
書類の差し替えを行いました。
We replaced the documents.
Referring to a substitute person or object.
Substitute or replacement, very common for both people and things.
彼の代わりを探しています。
We're looking for a replacement for him.
砂糖の代わりにはちみつを使った。
I used honey as a replacement for sugar.
Successor or replacement in a job or position.
Replenishment or replacement, often for supplies or personnel.
A substitute or stand-in, sometimes with a nuance of a decoy or impostor. Also used for extra noodle servings in ramen.
Talking about player substitutions in sports.
Substitution or change, used for players in sports or shifts in work.
選手交代のタイミングです。
It's time for a player replacement.
Alternation or replacement, often interchangeable with 交代 but can imply a scheduled rotation.
交換 (こうかん) is a general term for exchange or replacement, often mutual. 取り替え (とりかえ) emphasizes removing and installing a new part. 代わり (かわり) is a substitute that takes the place of something else, not necessarily an identical item.
When referring to a person who replaces another, using 交換 (こうかん) can sound like treating a person as an object. Use 代わり (かわり) or 後任 (こうにん) instead.
後任が決まるまで私が担当します。
I'll be in charge until a replacement is decided.
We need replacement personnel.
替え玉を頼んだ。
I ordered a replacement (noodle refill).
ピッチャーを交替させた。
They replaced the pitcher.