交代
こうたい · koutai (also spelled kotai)
Change, alternation, rotation, replacement, substitution, shift, relief, taking turns
Other ways to say “change” in Japanese →
flat · what is pitch accent?
How it’s used
Used in workplace or formal settings to mean taking turns or substituting for someone, such as a shift change or handing over duties.
Often confused with 'koukan' (exchange), but 'koutai' implies sequential replacement, not swapping.
Example sentences
交代で運転しよう。
Let's take turns driving.
Nihoner
交代の時間です。
It's time for the shift change.
Nihoner
投手交代も考えられるが、まだ早いだろう。
とうしゅこうたいもかんがえられるが、まだはやいだろう。
A pitcher change is also conceivable, but it's still early.
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Questions
What does 交代 mean?
Change, alternation, rotation, replacement, substitution, shift, relief, taking turns.
How do you pronounce 交代?
こうたい (koutai). Pitch accent: heiban — flat. Press Listen above to hear it.
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