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7
代わる

To Substitute For

Meaning

To Substitute For, To Take Over For, To Replace

Word Type

intransitive verb, transitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means substitute, and the verb 代わる means to substitute for or to take over for. Use it when one player substitutes for another in sports, for example, or when someone takes over for you at work. 代わる is usually intransitive, but sometimes it can be transitive and take a direct object. Kind of like "to take over" in English — someone can take over your shift (transitive), or just take over for you (intransitive).

Reading

かわる

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you to remember the か part: You need something to substitute for your car (か). It's getting repaired, so you can't use it now. I guess you can substitute your bike for your car?

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • アメリカに代わる

    to replace the U.S.

    それに代わる

    to replace that

    これに代わる

    to replace this

  • 世代が代わる

    generations change

    スタッフが代わる

    staff gets replaced

    オーナーが代わる

    the owner is replaced

Context Sentences

ジェニーとシフトを代わる。

I'll swap shifts with Jenny.

もしよければ、代わりましょうか。

If you don’t mind, can I take your place?

この少年はスティーブ・ジョブズに代わる天才です。

This boy is a genius to replace Steve Jobs.

Kanji Composition