How to say "swap" in Japanese

• スワップCommon
  nounThe loanword, used for the noun 'swap' in technical or financial contexts such as currency swaps. For everyday swapping of objects, a native verb like 取り替える is usually the natural choice.
• 取り替えるとりかえるJLPT N4approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbCovers exchanging or swapping one thing for another, such as changing a worn part for a new one or trading items. The everyday verb when you physically take one thing out and put another in its place.
  これを青あおいのと取り替とりかえてください。↗

  Please change this for a blue one.
• うつすJLPT N3approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbIts 'swap' sense is marginal: the core meaning is transferring or moving something to a different place or group. Choose it when the action is really relocation or copying, not a mutual exchange.
  委員会いいんかいは別べつのホールに会場かいじょうを移うつした。↗

  The committee adjourned to another hall.
• 置き換えるおきかえるCommon
  ichidan verb, transitive verbMeans to replace or switch something, putting one thing in the position of another. Fits swapping in the sense of substitution or replacement rather than a mutual trade between two parties.
  戦争せんそうは私わたしたちの幸しあわせを奪い取うばいとって、代かわりに恐怖きょうふで置おきかえたのよ。↗

  War has taken away our happiness and replaced it with horror.

Use 「スワップ」 for the loanword sense (e.g. currency or part swaps), 「取り替える」 for exchanging one thing for another, 「置き換える」 for replacing or switching, and 「うつす」 mainly when it means moving or transferring rather than swapping.

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

• スワップswap
• 取り替えるとりかえるto exchange
• うつすto transfer (to a different place, group, etc.)
• 取り替えとりかえswap
• 取り替えっことりかえっこswap
• 置き換えるおきかえるto replace