Japanese symbol for “replace”
替える
かえる
Romaji: kaeru
to replace; to convert; to change
In Japanese, replace is 替える, read かえる (kaeru).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- v1, vt to replace; to convert; to change
- v1, vt to exchange; to interchange; to renew
- v1, vt to substitute (person, staff member, player, etc.)
Written forms: 替える、換える、代える. Readings: かえる.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “replace”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 入れ替える | いれかえる irekaeru | to replace; to substitute; to switch |
| 改める | あらためる aratameru | to change; to alter; to revise |
| 替わる | かわる kawaru | to succeed; to relieve; to replace |
| 振る | ふる furu | to replace; to substitute |
| 置き換える | おきかえる okikaeru | to replace; to exchange; to switch |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 為替 | かわせ kawase | money order; draft |
| 代替 | だいたい daitai | substitution |
| 替え | かえ kae | change; alteration |
| 着替え | きがえ kigae | changing clothes; change of clothes |
| 切り替え | きりかえ kirikae | exchange; conversion; replacement |
| 両替 | りょうがえ ryougae | change; money exchange |
See also: Chinese symbol for “replace”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.