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.
I changed my plans.
He changed his mind.
A more formal verb often used for schedules, reservations, or settings.
I changed the meeting time.
Implies reforming or improving something, often used for habits, laws, or attitudes.
I want to change my bad habits.
To undergo a change in state or condition.
To convert money from one currency to another, or to get smaller denominations.
To substitute one thing for another.
To put on different clothes.
To switch from one vehicle or line to another.
Used for changing trains, buses, etc.
I'll change to the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
To reverse a decision or opinion.
To start talking about something different.
Directly means 'change the topic'.
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.