Japanese word

切り替える

Pronunciation

Romajikirikaeru

Meaning

  • verbswitch

Example

テレビのチャンネルを切り替えます。te re bi no cha n ne ru o ki ri ka e ma su

I switch channels on the TV.

Illustration for 切り替える (switch)

More examples

作業の前に、気持ちを切り替えてください。sa gyō no mae ni ki mo chi o ki ri ka e te ku da sa i

Please switch gears before starting work.

Core concept

Describes moving from the current choice or setting to a different one.

Common phrases

  • 画面を切り替えるga men o ki ri ka e ru

    switch screens

  • 話題を切り替えるwa dai o ki ri ka e ru

    change the subject

  • 気持ちを切り替えるki mo chi o ki ri ka e ru

    switch gears

Similar words

変えるkaeru: To cause a person, thing, or situation to become different.
変更するhenkōsuru: To revise a decision, plan, setting, or arrangement.

Definition in Japanese

現在選んでいるものや使っているものを、別のものに変える。gen zai era n de i ru mo no ya tsuka tte i ru mo no o betsu no mo no ni ka e ru

Word origin

The compound 切り替える (kirikaeru) is formed from 切る (kiru, "cut") and 替える (kaeru, "replace"), combining the ideas of ending one choice and making another.

Usage tips

  • In conversational Japanese, 切り替える (kirikaeru) can describe changing not only a TV channel but also the mode of an activity, such as moving from work to rest.

Related words

Word lists with this word