How to say "interchange" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 交換こうかんJLPT N3approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe everyday noun for interchange as a mutual swapping of things between parties; when 'interchange' simply means 'exchange', this is the word you want.
    あなたと席せきを交換こうかんしよう。↗
    Let me exchange seats with you.
  • 交流こうりゅうJLPT N2approx.Common
    noun, suru verb, intransitive verbInterchange in the sense of interaction and mingling between people, groups or cultures; choose it when 'interchange' refers to contact and communication rather than swapping objects.
    さらに、お年寄としよりが互たがいに交流こうりゅうし、アメリカの生活せいかつの中なかで何時なんどきまでも積極的せっきょくてきに参加さんかしていられるように、多おおくの団体だんたいが結成けっせいされている。↗
    In addition many groups have been formed so that the elderly can socialize with one another and remain active participants in American life.
  • nounAn abbreviated loanword for the road sense of 'interchange' — the junction where you enter or leave a motorway; it is not used for exchanging anything.
  • 互換ごかんCommon
    noun, suru verbCovers interchange as interchangeability — the fact of things being mutually compatible or substitutable; it is not the word for everyday exchanging of objects.
  • 取り交わすとりかわすCommon
    godan verb, transitive verbA verb meaning 'to exchange; to interchange': use it when the sentence needs the action of two parties exchanging things with each other rather than the noun.

For 'interchange', choose 交換 for exchanging things, 交流 for interaction between people or cultures, 「インター」 for the road junction, 互換 for interchangeability, and 「取り交わす」 when you need the verb.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents
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JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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