転換

• Reading: てんかん
• Romaji: tenkan
• Kanji breakdown: 転 (ten/koro) — turn, revolve, change; 換 (kan/ka) — exchange, replace
• Pronunciation: /teɴ.kaɴ/

Meaning

Conversion; switchover; changeover. A significant shift or change in direction, policy, or method.

A noun and する verb describing a major shift or transformation. Used broadly in business, politics, energy policy, and personal decisions. Common phrases include 方針転換 (policy change), エネルギー転換 (energy transition), and 気分転換 (change of pace or mood).

Examples

1. 政府はエネルギー政策の転換を発表した。 The government announced a shift in energy policy.
2. 気分転換に散歩へ出かけた。 I went for a walk as a change of pace.
3. ビジネスモデルの転換が求められている。 A transformation of the business model is being called for.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, daily life

Tone: decisive

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 転 (turn, revolve) and 換 (exchange, replace). Combines the idea of turning with exchanging to suggest a fundamental, deliberate shift in direction.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal