Translation guide
The English word 'alternate' has two main uses: as a verb meaning to switch back and forth between two things, and as an adjective meaning every other one or a substitute. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing that two things, actions, or states occur in turn, repeatedly.
This is the most common and natural way to say 'alternate A and B'. 交互に means 'alternately' or 'in turn'. Replace V with an appropriate verb.
彼は左右の足を交互に動かした。
He alternated his left and right feet.
Sunny and rainy weather alternated.
An adverb meaning 'by turns' or 'alternately', often used when people take turns doing something. Slightly more casual than 交互に.
私たちは代わる代わる運転した。
We alternated driving.
Used when people alternate in a role or task, like taking shifts. Implies a scheduled or organized rotation.
彼らは交替で夜勤をしている。
They alternate night shifts.
Describing a pattern where something happens or appears on every second item in a series.
Means 'every other one' or 'at intervals of one'. Can be used with days, objects, etc. The counter changes depending on what is being counted (e.g., 一日おきに for days).
彼は一つおきの席に座った。
He sat in every other seat.
この薬は一日おきに飲んでください。
Take this medicine every other day.
Used as an adjective meaning 'alternate' or 'alternating', often for patterns like stripes or layers.
赤と白の交互のストライプ
alternating red and white stripes
Referring to a person or thing that can be used instead of another, especially in a plan or role.
The most common way to say 'alternate' in the sense of a substitute person or thing. 代わり means 'substitute' or 'replacement'.
彼は代わりの選手として試合に出た。
He played in the match as an alternate.
代わりの案を考えておいてください。
Please think of an alternate plan.
A more formal term for 'alternative' or 'substitute', often used in technical or business contexts.
代替エネルギー源を探す必要がある。
We need to find alternate energy sources.
Specifically refers to a reserve or backup person, like an understudy or a substitute player waiting on the bench.
控えの選手がウォームアップしている。
The alternate players are warming up.
Both mean 'alternately', but 交互に is more common for inanimate things or abstract patterns (e.g., weather, colors), while 代わる代わる is used specifically for people taking turns doing an action. 交互に can also be used for people, but 代わる代わる emphasizes the voluntary turn-taking aspect.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to alternate'. Instead, use adverbial phrases like 交互に or 代わる代わる with a verb. Saying 「オルタネートする」 is not natural Japanese.