交替する

• Reading: こうたいする
• Romaji: koutai suru
• Kanji breakdown: 交 (kō) — interchange, mix; 替 (tai) — exchange, replace
• Pronunciation: /koː.ta.i.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To take turns; to take somebody's place; to alternate or rotate duties.

A する verb meaning to swap roles or positions with someone else. Often used for shift changes at work, rotating duties, or replacing someone in a role. Distinguished from 交代 (which emphasises a one-time handover), 交替 stresses repeated alternation or rotation. Common phrases: 交替で (in turns), 交替勤務 (shift work).

Examples

1. 夜勤のスタッフと交替して仕事を引き継いだ。 I took over the work by switching shifts with the night staff.
2. 運転を交替しながら長距離ドライブを楽しんだ。 We enjoyed the long road trip by taking turns driving.
3. 看護師たちは三交替制で患者のケアにあたっている。 The nurses work in three rotating shifts to care for patients.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, driving, teamwork

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 交 (interchange, mix) + 替 (exchange, replace). Together they describe a mutual exchange of positions or roles.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal