互換|ごかんgokan[0]heiban (flat)

1. noun, suru verbinterchange
2. noun, mathtransposition
3. prenominal modifiercompatible (e.g. PC)

• Synonym交換こうかんNeutralThe broadest term for exchange, with each side giving something to the other; 「互換」 instead concerns whether parts or software can replace each other.
• RelatedチェンジCasualColloquial loanword for changing something or switching sides, as in 「イメージチェンジ」; it says nothing about parts or software being compatible.
• Related取り替えるとりかえるNeutralVerb for replacing something old with a new one, as in 「電池を取り替える」; it is about swapping out, not about compatibility.
• Related取り交わすとりかわすWrittenWritten-style verb for two parties exchanging things such as documents, greetings or toasts; 「互換」 is about whether two things can replace each other.
• Related引き換えるひきかえるNeutralVerb for exchanging one thing for another, as in 「景品と引き換える」; the point is trading this for that, not compatibility.
• Related引き換えひきかえNeutralNoun for an exchange, usually as 「…と引き換えに」, stressing the condition attached to a deal; it has nothing to do with compatibility.
• Related替えるかえるNeutralVerb for the concrete act of replacing or changing something, as in 「電池を替える」; 「互換」 states whether things can be interchanged.
• Related入れ替えるいれかえるNeutralVerb for swapping positions or replacing contents, as in 「空気を入れ替える」; it does not imply compatibility.
• Related切り替えるきりかえるNeutralVerb for switching modes or states, as in 「気持ちを切り替える」; it does not imply compatibility.
• Related差し替えるさしかえるNeutralVerb for replacing a manuscript, part or the like with another version, as in 「原稿を差し替える」; the focus is on putting a replacement in place.
• Related代わりかわりNeutralNoun for a substitute or stand-in, as in 「代わりの人」; it says nothing about compatibility.
• Related交代こうたいNeutralFor people taking turns or changing shifts, as in 「選手交代」; 「互換」 is about things, not people, being interchangeable.
• Related乗り換えるのりかえるNeutralVerb for changing trains or buses or switching allegiance, as in 「電車を乗り換える」; unrelated to compatibility.
• Related代替だいたいWrittenWritten-style word for substitution or a substitute, as in 「代替エネルギー」; the replacement need not be interchangeable with the original.
• Related代替わりだいがわりWrittenWritten-style word for a shop or family business passing to a successor, as in 「店の代替わり」; about generational handover, not compatibility.
• Related置き換えるおきかえるNeutralVerb for substitution or rewriting, focusing on replacing a position or a phrasing; it does not imply compatibility.
• RelatedコンバートWrittenFormal loanword for converting data formats, also for moving a player to another defensive position or a rugby conversion; it does not imply compatibility.
• Related切り替わるきりかわるNeutralIntransitive verb for something being switched or changed, as in 「画面が切り替わる」; it does not imply compatibility.
• Related交わすかわすWrittenWritten-style verb for two sides exchanging words, glances and the like, as in 「言葉を交わす」「視線を交わす」; it also works as a suffix, 「〜しあう」. It is not about compatibility.
• Related付け替えるつけかえるNeutralVerb for detaching one thing and attaching another, e.g. changing a button; also for reassigning expenses. 「互換」 asks whether things are mutually replaceable.
• Related繰り替えるくりかえるWrittenRare, written-style verb for swapping or diverting something; in everyday speech say 「取り替える」.
• Relatedすげ替えるすげかえるWrittenWritten-style verb for replacing personnel with a forceful nuance, as in 「首をすげ替える」; it does not imply compatibility.
• RelatedエクスチェンジCasualColloquial loanword for exchange or currency exchange, with a financial flavor; in daily speech say 「交換」 or 「両替」.
• Relatedすり替えるすりかえるNeutralVerb for secretly swapping something, with a deceptive nuance, as in 「話をすり替える」; unrelated to compatibility.
• Related取り替えとりかえNeutralNoun for the act of replacing or swapping, as in 「部品の取り替え」; it names the action, while 「互換」 states whether things are interchangeable.
• Antonym非互換WrittenFormal antonym: things that are incompatible and cannot be used in place of each other, the opposite of 「互換」.

Use 「互換」 for parts or software that can be used in place of each other, as in 「互換性」; it names that property, not the act of exchanging. For general exchange use 「交換」, for replacing something old use 「取り替える」, for substitution use 「代替」, and for switching use 「切り替える」.

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

1. 互たがいに交換こうかん可能かのうなこと。