Translation guide
How to express the act of replacing something in Japanese, covering physical replacement, substitution of people or roles, and renewal of parts or systems.
I replaced the batteries.
To take out an old or broken item and put a new one in its place, or to exchange one object for another.
The most common verb for physically swapping or exchanging one item for another. Used for light bulbs, batteries, parts, etc.
I replaced the light bulb.
The batteries need to be replaced.
Formal term for exchanging or replacing, often used in technical or official contexts. Implies a mutual exchange or a scheduled replacement.
Please replace the parts.
Simple verb meaning to change or replace. Often used in compounds. By itself, it can sound a bit vague without context.
I changed the sheets.
To substitute one person for another in a job, position, or team.
Intransitive verb meaning to take someone's place or to be substituted. The person who replaces is marked with が.
He replaced the company president.
Transitive verb meaning to replace someone with another person. The person being replaced is marked with を, and the new person with に.
Means to take turns or relieve someone, often used in work shifts or sports substitutions.
They substituted the player.
To substitute one system, rule, or abstract concept with another.
Means to replace something abstract or conceptual, like a word, idea, or system. Emphasizes putting something else in its place.
We replaced the old system with a new one.
Literally 'put in and change', used for replacing contents, members, or data. Slightly more physical than 置き換える but can be used for rosters, lists, etc.
Specifically replacing a component because it is damaged or worn out.
Used for replacing attached parts like strings, covers, or accessories. Emphasizes reattaching something new.
I replaced the guitar strings.
取り替える is the everyday word for swapping physical items. 交換する is more formal and often implies a mutual exchange or a scheduled replacement, like parts in a machine or business cards.
代わる/代える are only for people or roles. For objects, use 取り替える or 交換する.
They replaced the manager.
We replaced the members.