Japanese Conversation · Level 106
60 words
Japanese word
交互
Pronunciation
Romajikōgo
Meaning
- nounin turn
Example
二人は交互に話します。futa ri wa kō go ni hana shi ma su
The two people speak in turn.
More examples
議長と副議長は交互に質問に答えます。gi chō to fuku gi chō wa kō go ni shitsu mon ni kota e ma su
The chair and vice chair answer questions in turn.
Core concept
Describes a pattern in which two or more parties repeatedly replace one another in a set order.
Common phrases
交互に話すkō go ni hana su
speak in turn
交互に使うkō go ni tsuka u
use alternately
Similar words
交替kōtai: A repeated change from one person or group to another in the same role.
交代kōtai: A change in which one person or group takes over a role from another.
互い違いtagaichigai: A pattern in which people or things appear or occur alternately.
Definition in Japanese
二つ以上のものが、一定の順序で入れ替わりながら続くこと。futa tsu i jō no mo no ga it tei no jun jo de i re ka wa ri na ga ra tsuzu ku ko to
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 交互 (kōgo) combines 交 (kō, "cross or exchange") and 互 (go, "each other"), expressing the idea of taking each other's place.
Usage tips
- Unlike English "in turn," which can describe a simple sequence, 交互 (kōgo) usually highlights repeated alternation between sides or states.
Other meanings
- alternatelyadverb
Opposites
- 同時dōjisimultaneitynoun
Related words
- 交互性kōgoseialternationnoun