Translation guide
How to express the idea of substitution in Japanese, covering replacement of people, objects, ingredients, and roles, as well as sports substitutions.
To say that something or someone is used instead of another, or that one thing takes the place of another.
The most common and versatile word for substitution. Can be used as a noun or in the pattern 〜の代わりに (instead of ~).
I used margarine instead of butter.
I'll go in his place.
A more formal term for substitution or replacement, often used in business or technical contexts.
We need to consider alternative plans.
Substitution, especially using something as a temporary or makeshift replacement.
This ingredient can be substituted.
Replacement, often in the sense of swapping one thing for another, used in technical or mathematical contexts.
Perform variable substitution.
To replace one ingredient with another in a recipe.
Standard pattern for ingredient substitution.
Can I use soy milk instead of regular milk?
To substitute, often used when a specific ingredient is unavailable.
Substitute honey for sugar.
To replace a player during a game.
To take someone's place temporarily, such as at work or an event.
代わり (kawari) is the most general 'instead of'. 代理 (dairi) is specifically a person acting as a representative. 交代 (kōtai) is used for shift changes or player substitutions where people take turns.
I cooked instead of my mother.
He spoke as the president's representative.
The timing of player substitutions is important.
He came on as a substitute.
I was suddenly asked to be a substitute.