Japanese word

交わす

Pronunciation

Romajikawasu

Meaning

  • verbexchange

Example

友達と挨拶を交わします。tomo dachi to ai satsu o ka wa shi ma su

I exchange greetings with a friend.

Illustration for 交わす (exchange)

More examples

帰る前に、友達と一言交わしました。kae ru mae ni tomo dachi to hito koto ka wa shi ma shi ta

Before leaving, I exchanged a few words with my friend.

Core concept

It describes two or more people passing words, greetings, or promises between one another.

Common phrases

  • 意見を交わすi ken o ka wa su

    exchange opinions

  • 挨拶を交わすai satsu o ka wa su

    exchange greetings

  • 言葉を交わすkoto ba o ka wa su

    exchange words

  • 約束を交わすyaku soku o ka wa su

    exchange promises

Similar words

取り交わすtorikawasu: To exchange promises or formal words between people or groups.
話し合うhanashiau: To discuss a topic by sharing thoughts and opinions with another person.

Definition in Japanese

互いに言葉や挨拶などをやり取りする。taga i ni koto ba ya ai satsu na do o ya ri to ri su ru

Word origin

The native verb 交わす (kawasu) comes from Old Japanese 交はす (kafasu), a causative form of 交ふ (kafu, "to cross or meet").

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 交わす (kawasu) often appears with 挨拶 (aisatsu, "greeting") or 言葉 (kotoba, "words") for a brief mutual exchange rather than a commercial trade.

Related words

  • 交わし合いkawashiaimutual exchangenoun
  • 交わし方kawashikataway of exchangingnoun

Word lists with this word