Translation guide
How to express the idea of swapping positions, exchanging roles, or moving to a different location in Japanese.
Two people exchange seats, spots, or standing positions.
Natural way to say 'change places' when two people swap seats or spots.
Could you change places with me for a moment?
I changed places with him.
Specifically for swapping seats. Slightly more formal than 場所を変わる.
I'd like to change to a window seat.
Emphasizes the act of swapping or replacing positions. Often used when two people or things exchange places.
The two of them swapped seats.
Two people swap tasks, responsibilities, or roles.
One person or thing moves from one place to another.
To move house or relocate to a new area.
変わる (かわる) is the general 'change'. 替わる (かわる) implies swapping or replacing one thing with another. 代わる (かわる) means substituting or acting on behalf of someone. For 'change places' with a person, 替わる or 変わる are common, but 代わる can be used if you are taking someone's place in a role.
I swapped seats with him.
I'll attend the meeting in his place.
場所を変える (ばしょをかえる) means to change the location of something, not to swap places with someone. Use 場所を変わる (intransitive) or 場所を替わる for swapping.
Change the venue location.