入れ替える・入れ換える・入れ代える|いれかえるirekaeru[4]nakadaka (mid-high)
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Which spelling to use
入れ替える入れ替える is the most common written form and the recommended default for beginners. Use it when writing this word unless a source specifically requires another form.
入れ換える入れ換える is less common than 入れ替える but is another written form of the same word. You may encounter it in texts, but beginners should normally choose 入れ替える.
入れ代える入れ代える is rarely used. Recognize it as a variant, but choose 入れ替える for ordinary writing as a beginner.
Definitions
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto replace; to substitute; to switch; to change
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto move (something); to transfer
Conjugation
| Dictionary form | 入れ替える（いれかえる） |
|---|---|
| Polite (masu) | 入れ替えます（いれかえます） |
| Negative (nai) | 入れ替えない（いれかえない） |
| polite (masen) | 入れ替えません（いれかえません） |
| classical zu / nu | 入れ替えず・入れ替えぬ（いれかえず・いれかえぬ） |
| Past (ta) | 入れ替えた（いれかえた） |
| polite (mashita) | 入れ替えました（いれかえました） |
| Past negative (nakatta) | 入れ替えなかった（いれかえなかった） |
| polite (masen deshita) | 入れ替えませんでした（いれかえませんでした） |
| Te form | 入れ替えて（いれかえて） |
| Potential | 入れ替えられる（いれかえられる） |
| Passive | 入れ替えられる（いれかえられる） |
| Causative | 入れ替えさせる（いれかえさせる） |
| Causative passive | 入れ替えさせられる（いれかえさせられる） |
| Conditional (ba) | 入れ替えれば（いれかえれば） |
| tara | 入れ替えたら（いれかえたら） |
| Volitional | 入れ替えよう（いれかえよう） |
| polite (mashou) | 入れ替えましょう（いれかえましょう） |
| Imperative | 入れ替えろ（いれかえろ） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Transitive / intransitive pair
席が入れ替わる
席を入れ替える
入れ替わる describes a situation where things change places on their own or without specifying who did it, while 入れ替える focuses on someone deliberately swapping them.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym取り替えるとりかえるNeutralThe broadest verb for exchanging things or swapping one for another; 「入れ替える」 leans toward replacing what is inside or changing order and position.
- Synonym差し替えるさしかえるNeutralFor replacing the original with something else, mostly with manuscripts, documents and images, as in 「原稿を差し替える」.
- Synonym置き換えるおきかえるNeutralFor replacing something or moving it elsewhere, as in 「言葉を置き換える」; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping contents.
- Synonym引き換えるひきかえるWrittenWritten/formal prose for exchanging things or converting currency, or forming a contrast; 「入れ替える」 is about swapping things around.
- Synonym入れ替えいれかえNeutralA noun for replacement or rail shunting; 「入れ替える」 is the verb.
- SynonymチェンジCasualA colloquial loanword for changing something or switching sides in a game; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping contents.
- Synonym替えるかえるNeutralThe general verb for replacing or changing something; 「入れ替える」 leans toward replacing what is inside.
- Synonymすげ替えるすげかえるCasualColloquial, for replacing personnel, as in 「首をすげ替える」; 「入れ替える」 is broader in scope.
- Synonymすり替えるすりかえるCasualColloquial, for secretly swapping items or switching topics without being noticed; 「入れ替える」 makes no difference whether it is open.
- Synonym置き換えおきかえNeutralA noun for replacement or substitution; 「入れ替える」 is the verb.
- Related切り替えるきりかえるNeutralFor switching modes, channels or one's mood; 「入れ替える」 is about swapping things themselves.
- Related乗り換えるのりかえるNeutralFor changing trains or buses, or moving over to another side; 「入れ替える」 is about swapping things.
- Related交換こうかんNeutralA Sino-Japanese word for exchanging or replacing, as in 「部品を交換する」, common in daily use; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping contents and positions.
- RelatedスイッチCasualA colloquial loanword for an electric switch or toggling; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping.
- Related交代こうたいNeutralFor rotating or changing shifts, as in 「選手交代」; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping positions.
- Related刷新さっしんWrittenWritten/formal prose for reforming away old flaws and starting fresh; 「入れ替える」 is a plain swap.
- Related変換へんかんWrittenWritten/formal prose for converting or transforming, as in 「漢字変換」; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping.
- RelatedコンバートWrittenA written-style loanword for converting data formats or moving a player to another position; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping contents.
- Related互換ごかんWrittenWritten/formal prose for being mutually interchangeable or compatible; 「入れ替える」 is the act of swapping.
- Related振り替えるふりかえるNeutralFor transferring money or moving a date to another day, as in 「振替休日」; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping contents.
- Related付け替えるつけかえるNeutralFor taking something off and fitting a new part, or reassigning an expense to another account; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping contents.
- Related掛け替えるかけかえるNeutralFor replacing a hanging picture or rebuilding a bridge; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping contents.
- Related取り替えっことりかえっこCasualColloquial and childlike, for two people swapping the things they each have; 「入れ替える」 leans toward swapping positions and contents.
- Related置換ちかんWrittenWritten/formal prose, the term for substitution in mathematics and chemistry; 「入れ替える」 is everyday swapping.
- Antonym据え置くすえおくWrittenWritten/formal prose for leaving something as it is, untouched — the opposite of swapping things with 「入れ替える」.
Use 「入れ替える」 for replacing what is inside something or swapping order and position, as in 「空気を入れ替える」 or 「心を入れ替える」. For general replacement pick 「取り替える」, for swapping in a new draft or file 「差し替える」, and for changing trains or buses 「乗り換える」. The opposite of swapping things around is 「据え置く」, leaving them as they are.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
