Japanese word

交代

Pronunciation

Romajikōtai

Meaning

  • nounswitch, taking turns

Example

姉と交代します。ane to kō tai shi ma su

I will switch with my older sister.

Illustration for 交代 (switch)

More examples

ボールはみんなで交代で使います。bō ru wa mi n na de kō tai de tsuka i ma su

Everyone takes turns using the ball.

この仕事は二人で交代で行います。ko no shi goto wa futa ri de kō tai de okona i ma su

The two of us take turns doing this work.

Core concept

Describes a change in who holds a role or does a task, often by replacing one person with another or by taking turns.

Common phrases

  • 交代するkō tai su ru

    switch

  • 交代でkō tai de

    taking turns

  • 交代をお願いするkō tai o o nega i su ru

    ask someone to switch

Similar words

入れ替えirekae: The act of replacing one person or thing with another.
輪番rinban: An arrangement in which members take turns handling a task or role.

Definition in Japanese

役割や担当を別の人に替えること、または順番に受け持つこと。yaku wari ya tan tō o betsu no hito ni ka e ru ko to ma ta wa jun ban ni u ke mo tsu ko to

Word origin

交 (kō, "exchange") and 代 (tai, "substitute") form 交代 (kōtai), expressing the transfer of a role or task from one person to another.

Usage tips

  • In sports and games, 交代する (kōtai suru) is used when one player leaves and another takes that player's place.

Other meanings

  • replacementnoun
  • take turnsnoun

Word lists with this word