Translation guide
The English verb "swap" means to exchange one thing for another. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on what is being exchanged and the context. Common verbs include 交換する (kōkan suru) for general exchanges, 取り替える (torikaeru) for replacing one thing with another, and 入れ替える (irekaeru) for swapping positions or contents. For casual, mutual exchanges, 交換こ (kōkanko) is used among friends.
To give something and receive something else in return, often between two people.
The most general and neutral verb for exchanging items, information, or favors. Works in most situations.
彼と本を交換した。
I swapped books with him.
メールアドレスを交換しましょう。
Let's swap email addresses.
To replace one thing with another, often implying a substitution. Used when swapping out an old item for a new one.
電池を取り替えた。
I swapped the batteries.
A casual, child-like or friendly term for swapping things, often used among kids or in lighthearted contexts.
お菓子を交換こしよう。
Let's swap snacks.
To change the places of two things or people, or to reverse an order.
To swap the positions or contents of two things. Often used for physical rearrangement or changing the order.
この二つの箱を入れ替えてください。
Please swap these two boxes.
順番を入れ替えよう。
Let's swap the order.
Also used for swapping positions, but 入れ替える is more specific for physical rearrangement.
席を交換してもいいですか？
Can we swap seats?
To exchange tasks, responsibilities, or roles with someone.
To take turns or switch roles, especially in work, games, or shifts. Implies a rotation.
運転を交代しよう。
Let's swap driving duties.
彼と役割を交代した。
I swapped roles with him.
Can also be used for swapping roles, but 交代する is more natural for shifts or turns.
当番を交換してくれませんか？
Could you swap duties with me?
To share or exchange stories, experiences, or information.
Literally 'exchange stories', used for swapping anecdotes or experiences.
旅行の話を交換した。
We swapped travel stories.
To exchange information. Common in business or casual contexts.
連絡先を交換しましょう。
Let's swap contact info.
交換する is the most general 'exchange' and implies a mutual give-and-take. 取り替える focuses on replacing one item with another, often a new one. 入れ替える is about swapping the positions or contents of two things, like rearranging.
The loanword スワップ (suwappu) exists but is mainly used in technical contexts like computing (memory swap) or finance (swap contracts). For everyday exchanges, use the native Japanese verbs above.
席を交換してもいいですか？
Can we swap seats?
古い携帯を新しいのと交換した。
I swapped my old phone for a new one.
今度、話を交換しよう。
Let's swap stories sometime.