交換

• Reading: こうかん
• Romaji: koukan
• Kanji breakdown: 交 (kō) — cross, exchange, mix; 換 (kan) — substitute, change, replace
• Pronunciation: /koː.kaɴ/

Meaning

Exchange; swap; replacement. The act of giving one thing and receiving another in return.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (交換する). Covers a wide range of exchanges: trading items (名刺を交換する — exchange business cards), replacing parts (バッテリーを交換する — replace a battery), and swapping roles or opinions. Common compounds include 交換留学 (exchange study abroad) and 交換条件 (terms of exchange).

Examples

1. 初めて会った人と名刺を交換した。 I exchanged business cards with someone I met for the first time.
2. タイヤが古くなったので交換しなければならない。 The tires are old, so they need to be replaced.
3. 留学中にいろいろな国の学生と意見を交換できた。 During my time studying abroad, I was able to exchange ideas with students from various countries.

Usage Guide

Context: business, daily life, maintenance

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 交 (kō, to cross/exchange) and 換 (kan, to substitute/change). Together, 'crossing over in substitution' — a mutual transfer between parties.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal