交互に

• Reading: こうごに
• Romaji: kougoni
• Kanji breakdown: 交 (kou) — cross, alternate; 互 (go) — mutual, each other
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɯ.ɡo.ni/

Meaning

Alternately; by turns; one after the other. Taking turns in a back-and-forth pattern.

An adverb formed from 交互 (alternation) + に (adverbial particle). Describes actions or events that happen in a regular alternating sequence between two or more parties or states. Used in both physical descriptions (交互に足を動かす — move feet alternately) and abstract contexts (交互に発言する — speak in turns). Implies a regular, predictable pattern of switching.

Examples

1. 右と左の足を交互に動かしてペダルをこいだ。 I pedaled by moving my right and left feet alternately.
2. 会議では参加者が交互に意見を述べた。 Participants took turns sharing their opinions at the meeting.
3. 赤と白のタイルが交互に並んでいる。 Red and white tiles are arranged in an alternating pattern.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, exercise, meetings, descriptions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 交 (kou, to cross/to alternate) + 互 (go, mutual/each other) + に (adverbial particle). Literally 'in a mutually crossing manner,' conveying the image of two things repeatedly switching places.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal