换 (huàn) - To exchange & to change
换 · huàn
To exchange;
to change;
to swap;
to convert;
to replace.
To exchangeto changeto swap
Usage highlights
ExchangeChange clothesChange moneyChange seatsReplaceSwap
Usage & contexts
Examples
- I need to change clothes (换衣服).
- Let's exchange contact information (交换联系方式).
- He converted his money into dollars (换钱).
- We changed seats (换座位).
Collocations
- Exchange(交换)
- Change clothes(换衣服)
- Change money(换钱)
- Change seats(换座位)
- Replace(更换)
- Swap(调换)
Idioms
- To change the soup but not the medicine(换汤不换药)
- To change one's appearance and name(改头换面)
- To swap positions(偷梁换柱)
- To exchange blows(拳来脚往，互换招式)
Cultural background
FAQ- The character 换 embodies the concept of reciprocity and transformation in Chinese culture.
- In traditional markets, 换 was commonly used for bartering goods before currency became dominant.
- The concept of 换 appears in many Chinese idioms about superficial versus substantive change.