Translation guide
How to express the idea of substitution in Japanese, covering replacement of people, objects, ingredients, and roles, as well as sports substitutions.
To say that something or someone is used instead of another, or that one thing takes the place of another.
The most common and versatile word for substitution. Can be used as a noun or in the pattern 〜の代わりに (instead of ~).
バターの代わりにマーガリンを使った。
I used margarine instead of butter.
彼の代わりに私が行きます。
I'll go in his place.
A more formal term for substitution or replacement, often used in business or technical contexts.
代替案を検討する必要がある。
We need to consider alternative plans.
Substitution, especially using something as a temporary or makeshift replacement.
この材料は代用がきく。
This ingredient can be substituted.
Replacement, often in the sense of swapping one thing for another, used in technical or mathematical contexts.
変数の置き換えを行う。
Perform variable substitution.
To replace one ingredient with another in a recipe.
Standard pattern for ingredient substitution.
牛乳の代わりに豆乳を使ってもいいですか？
Can I use soy milk instead of regular milk?
To substitute, often used when a specific ingredient is unavailable.
砂糖をはちみつで代用する。
Substitute honey for sugar.
To replace a player during a game.
The standard term for player substitution in sports.
後半に選手を交代した。
We substituted a player in the second half.
Short for 'substitute', used casually in sports contexts.
彼はサブで出場した。
He came on as a substitute.
To take someone's place temporarily, such as at work or an event.
Proxy, agent, or substitute person. Often used in business.
部長の代理で会議に出席した。
I attended the meeting on behalf of the department head.
代わり (kawari) is the most general 'instead of'. 代理 (dairi) is specifically a person acting as a representative. 交代 (kōtai) is used for shift changes or player substitutions where people take turns.
母の代わりに料理を作った。
I cooked instead of my mother.
彼は社長の代理として話した。
He spoke as the president's representative.
選手交代のタイミングが重要だ。
The timing of player substitutions is important.
Pinch hitter; used metaphorically for a substitute person in any situation.
急にピンチヒッターを頼まれた。
I was suddenly asked to be a substitute.