Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'taking turns' depends on whether you mean alternating actions, doing something in order, or sharing a role. The most common patterns use 順番 (junban, 'order/turn') or the verb 交代する (kōtai suru, 'to alternate').
Expressing that people do something sequentially, each waiting for their turn.
The most natural way to say 'take turns doing something'. 順番 means 'order' or 'turn', and に makes it adverbial: 'in order'. Attach a verb in dictionary form or する.
Let's take turns singing a song.
The children took turns on the swing.
Similar to 順番に, but で emphasizes the method or system of turns. Slightly more casual.
Let's take turns playing the game.
Literally 'by alternation'. Used when people swap roles or shifts, not just a sequence. Often for work or duties.
Let's take turns driving.
Expressing that people switch back and forth in a role or activity.
The verb 'to alternate' or 'to take turns'. Used for swapping shifts, roles, or positions. Often used with で or に.
Please take turns for lunch breaks.
I took turns driving with him.
An adverb meaning 'by turns' or 'alternately'. Emphasizes the back-and-forth nature. Often used with 〜する.
Means 'alternately' or 'reciprocally'. More formal or written. Used for precise alternation, like ABAB patterns.
Expressing that multiple people use one thing or fill one role by turns.
Use 交代で with a verb like 使う (use) or やる (do) to indicate sharing something by taking turns.
We're taking turns using one computer.
Similar to above, but emphasizes the sequential order rather than alternation.
Please take turns using the phone.
順番 focuses on the order of turns (first, second, third...), while 交代 focuses on the act of swapping or alternating. Use 順番 for queues and sequences; use 交代 for shift changes or back-and-forth alternation.
English 'take turns' is an idiom. Avoid literal translations like ターンを取る. Use the patterns above instead.
We took turns giving our opinions.
The two took turns playing the piano.