Translation guide
The English word "change" covers a wide range of meanings, from making something different to exchanging money or clothes. This guide breaks down the most common uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To alter, modify, or transform something.
The most general verb for changing something. It can be used for plans, opinions, appearance, etc.
A more formal verb often used for schedules, reservations, or settings.
会議の時間を変更しました。
I changed the meeting time.
Implies reforming or improving something, often used for habits, laws, or attitudes.
悪い習慣を改めたい。
I want to change my bad habits.
To undergo a change in state or condition.
Intransitive verb meaning to change by itself. Used for people, situations, times, etc.
時代は変わった。
Times have changed.
彼はすっかり変わった。
He has completely changed.
A more formal or scientific term for change or transformation.
気温が急に変化した。
The temperature changed suddenly.
To convert money from one currency to another, or to get smaller denominations.
Specifically for exchanging currency.
ドルを円に両替したいです。
I'd like to change dollars into yen.
To break a large bill into smaller ones.
一万円札を崩してもらえますか。
Can you change a 10,000 yen bill?
To substitute one thing for another.
To exchange or replace something with a new one.
電球を取り替えた。
I changed the light bulb.
To exchange or swap items, often used for defective products or trading.
不良品を交換してもらった。
I got the defective item exchanged.
To put on different clothes.
The standard verb for changing clothes.
パジャマに着替えた。
I changed into pajamas.
More explicit: 'change clothes'.
出かける前に服を着替えます。
I'll change my clothes before going out.
To switch from one vehicle or line to another.
Used for changing trains, buses, etc.
東京駅で新幹線に乗り換えます。
I'll change to the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
To reverse a decision or opinion.
Literally 'one's mind changes', used when someone's feelings or intentions shift.
彼は気が変わったみたいだ。
He seems to have changed his mind.
To change one's thinking or opinion.
彼の話を聞いて考えを変えた。
After hearing his story, I changed my mind.
To start talking about something different.
Directly means 'change the topic'.
ちょっと話題を変えましょう。
Let's change the subject a bit.
変える (kaeru) is transitive: someone changes something. 変わる (kawaru) is intransitive: something changes by itself. Using the wrong one is a common mistake.
Saying お金を変える (okane o kaeru) for exchanging money sounds unnatural. Use 両替する (ryougae suru) or 崩す (kuzusu) instead.