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互い違いに (tagaichigaini) Japanese meaning: alternately | Kotomora

互たがい違ちがいに

Meanings

1

alternately; in alternating order

Describes two or more things arranged or done in a staggered, alternating pattern, such as placing objects in opposite directions or taking turns.

靴くつを互たがい違ちがいに並ならべてください。
Please arrange the shoes alternately (facing opposite directions).
赤あかと青あおのボールを互たがい違ちがいに置おいた。
I placed red and blue balls in alternating order.

Kanji

互mutually, reciprocally, together
違difference, differ

Related words

交こう互ごに
交互に also means 'alternately' but emphasizes a reciprocal or turn-based action between two parties, while 互い違いに focuses on a staggered physical arrangement or pattern.

Etymology

Compound of 互い (tagai, 'mutual') + 違い (chigai, 'difference') + adverbial particle に. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the expression has been used since at least the Edo period to describe alternating or staggered arrangements.