代える
代える · ichidan verb
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 代える | 代えない |
| Polite | 代えます | 代えません |
| Past polite | 代えました | 代えませんでした |
| Past | 代えた | 代えなかった |
| Te-form | 代えて | 代えないで |
| Desire | 代えたい | 代えたくない |
| Potential | 代えられるalso 代えれる | 代えられないalso 代えれない |
| Passive | 代えられる | 代えられない |
| Causative | 代えさせる | 代えさせない |
| Causative passive | 代えさせられる | 代えさせられない |
| Volitional | 代えよう | |
| Polite volitional | 代えましょう | |
| Imperative | 代えろ | 代えるな |
| Conditional | 代えれば | 代えなければ |
| Tara conditional | 代えたら | 代えなかったら |
Meanings
ichidan verb, transitive verb
Only when written 替える
Used when swapping out an old or broken item for a new one of the same kind, or when changing something to a different state. Typically written 替える.
I replaced the batteries with new ones.
I change the curtains to the summer ones.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
Only when written 換える
Used when exchanging one thing for another, especially money, goods, or abstract things like words. Typically written 換える.
I exchange dollars for yen.
I convert points into prizes.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
substitute; replace (a person)
Only when written 代える
Used when one person takes the place of another in a role, job, or position. Typically written 代える.
The manager substituted the tired player.
Due to a sudden matter, instead of me attending the meeting in his place, I had him substitute for my role.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉を新品に替えるto replace something with a new one
I replaced the old batteries with new ones.
- 〈物〉を〈物〉に換えるto exchange one thing for another
I exchanged yen for dollars.
- 〈人〉を〈人〉に代えるto replace one person with another in a role
They replaced the coach with a new person.
- 命に代えて〈動詞〉to do something even at the cost of one's life
He protected his child even at the cost of his life.
Expressions
- 並べ替えるrearrange; reorder; sort
- 所を替えるchange sides; change places
- クロス張替えwallpaper replacement; redecorating (walls)
- 言い替えるならin other words; to put it another way; if we rephrase it
- それに引き替えてin contrast; on the other hand; while
- 背に腹は替えられぬyou can't make an omelet without breaking eggs; a small sacrifice may be necessary to solve a more pressing problem