Translation and Meaning of: 換える - kaeru
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 換える (kaeru) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
Romaji: kaeru
Kana: かえる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n2
Translation / Meaning: to replace; Interchange; to replace; to replace
Meaning in English: to exchange;to interchange;to substitute;to replace
Definition: To exchange or replace something with something else.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (換える) kaeru
The Japanese word 「換える」 (kaeru) is a verb that means "to exchange," "to replace," or "to change." It is commonly used in the Japanese language to describe the action of substituting one thing for another or changing from one state to another. The verb is often used in contexts where there is a physical exchange or a change of modes, such as exchanging money or changing modes of transportation.
In the etymology of the word, 「換える」 originates from the combination of two components: the radical 「扌」 which indicates hand or action and the phonetic part 「爰」 which, although not directly understandable in modern Japanese, helps to compose the sound of the verb. This type of structure aligns with the way many kanji are formed, combining semantic and phonetic elements.
Another interesting piece of information is that 「かえる」 is a homophone in Japanese, meaning it sounds the same as several other Japanese verbs like 変える, 代える, or 帰る, which are also read as "kaeru" but have distinct meanings such as "to change", "to represent", and "to return", respectively. The contexts of use and the kanji that represent them are fundamental to distinguishing them from each other, highlighting the importance of knowing the ideograms when learning Japanese.
When talking about 「換える」, it is useful to remember that it applies more to the exchange of defined objects or situations. For example, you can use this verb to talk about changing a light bulb (電球を交換する) or replacing a piece of clothing. This word is frequently used in everyday life, making it one of the essential elements of vocabulary for those learning Japanese.
Synonyms and similar words
- 替える (kaeru) - Replace, swap for something equivalent.
- 代える (kaeru) - Replace, especially in the sense of substituting a person or a role.
- 変える (kaeru) - Modify, alter in a broader sense.
- 交換する (koukan suru) - Exchange, usually in a context of two items being swapped with each other.
- 取り替える (torikaeru) - Replace, usually used when someone takes something out and puts another thing in its place.
- 改める (aratameru) - Review, correct, or change something for the better.
Words related
Words with the same pronunciation: かえる kaeru
How to Write in Japanese - (換える) kaeru
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (換える) kaeru:
Example Sentences - (換える) kaeru
Below are some example sentences:
Norikae suru koto wa atarashii bouken o hajimeru koto desu
Changing trains is like starting a new adventure.
The transfer is starting a new adventure.
- 乗り換える - means "to change means of transport" or "to make a connection"
- こと - is a particle that indicates that the previous word is a noun and that it is being used as the subject of the sentence
- は - is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
- 新しい - means "new"
- 冒険 - means "adventure"
- を - it is a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
- 始める - means "to begin"
- こと - again the particle that indicates the noun used as the topic of the sentence
- です - it is a particle that indicates that the sentence is a statement
Kagu wo atarashiku kai kaetai desu
I want to exchange my furniture for new ones.
I want to buy new furniture.
- 家具 (kagu) - furniture
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 新しく (atarashiku) - new
- 買い換えたい (kaikae tai) - want to exchange/buy
- です (desu) - verb ser/estar in the present
Other words of the same type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
