Translation guide
How to express 'substitute' in Japanese depends on whether you mean a person or thing that replaces another, the act of substituting, or using something as an alternative. Common words include 代わり (kawari), 代理 (dairi), and 代替 (daitai), each with different nuances and contexts.
Referring to a replacement person or object, often temporary.
The most common and versatile word for 'substitute'. Can be used for people or things. Often used in phrases like 代わりに (instead of) or 代わりをする (to act as a substitute).
彼の代わりを探しています。
We are looking for a substitute for him.
砂糖の代わりに蜂蜜を使った。
I used honey as a substitute for sugar.
Specifically refers to a person acting as a representative or proxy, often in formal or business contexts. Not used for things.
部長の代理で会議に出席します。
I will attend the meeting as a substitute for the department head.
Means 'substitution' or 'alternative', often used for things, systems, or methods. Common in compound words like 代替品 (substitute product).
代替エネルギー源を開発する必要がある。
We need to develop alternative energy sources.
A person who takes the place of another, often in a sacrificial or protective sense. Can imply a scapegoat or body double.
彼は友達の身代わりになって罰を受けた。
He took the punishment as a substitute for his friend.
Describing the action of using one thing instead of another.
A common phrase meaning 'to use as a substitute'. The pattern is [noun]の代わりに使う.
バターの代わりにマーガリンを使った。
I used margarine as a substitute for butter.
A verb meaning 'to substitute' or 'to use as a replacement', often for objects or materials. Slightly formal.
この材料は他のもので代用できます。
This ingredient can be substituted with something else.
Means 'to exchange' or 'to replace', often implying a swap. Can be used for substituting one thing for another.
Referring to a player who replaces another during a game.
Standard term for a substitute player or reserve in sports. Also used for alternates in other contexts.
彼は補欠からスタメンになった。
He went from substitute to starting lineup.
Literally 'reserve player', commonly used in sports contexts.
Abbreviation of 'substitute', used in casual sports talk. From English 'sub'.
サブの選手が活躍した。
The sub player performed well.
Expressing the action of replacing B with A.
The most natural way to say 'substitute A for B'. Literally 'make A the substitute of B'.
卵を豆腐の代わりにした。
I substituted tofu with egg.
A more formal pattern meaning 'to substitute B with A'. Often used in written instructions.
小麦粉で片栗粉を代用できます。
You can substitute potato starch with wheat flour.
代わり (kawari) is the most general and can be used for people or things in everyday situations. 代理 (dairi) is specifically for a person acting as a representative, often in formal settings. 代替 (daitai) is used for things, systems, or abstract concepts, and appears in technical or written contexts.
The English verb 'substitute' can be tricky because 'substitute A for B' means use A instead of B. In Japanese, the pattern is usually AをBの代わりにする (make A the substitute of B). Be careful not to reverse the objects.
古い部品を新しいものと取り替えた。
I substituted the old part with a new one.
控え選手が試合に出た。
The substitute player entered the game.