Translation guide
In sports and games, 'switching ends' means changing sides of the court, field, or table. This guide covers how to express this in Japanese, from the most common verb to specific game contexts.
To express the action of teams or players changing ends of the court, field, or table between periods or games.
The most common and natural way to say 'switch ends' in sports like tennis, volleyball, or basketball. Literally 'change courts'.
第1セットの後、選手たちはコートを替わった。
After the first set, the players switched ends.
Uses the loanword 'endo' (end). Common in tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Slightly more technical.
奇数ゲームの後にエンドを替わります。
We switch ends after odd-numbered games.
Literally 'change sides'. Used in various sports, but 'kōto' or 'endo' are more specific.
ハーフタイムにサイドを替わる。
We switch sides at halftime.
To state the rule or instruction to switch ends, often seen in official contexts.
More formal than 'kawaru'. 'Kōtai' implies a systematic exchange. Used in rulebooks or official announcements.
両チームはハーフタイムにエンドを交代する。
Both teams switch ends at halftime.
Literally 'swap courts'. Less common, but understandable. Might be used in some sports contexts.
第3セットの前にコートを入れ替わります。
We switch ends before the third set.
In table tennis, switching ends is a standard part of match play.
The standard term in table tennis. Often used with 'change ends' in English.
最終ゲームでは5ポイントごとにエンドを替わる。
In the final game, we switch ends every 5 points.
Use 替わる (kawaru) for informal or neutral contexts. Use 交代する (kōtai suru) for formal or official contexts. Both are intransitive; the object takes を.