換 (huàn) - To exchange & to change

換Tone 4

huàn ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

換 · huàn

To exchange;

to change;

to swap;

to convert;

to replace.

To exchangeto changeto swap

Usage highlights

ExchangeChange moneyChange clothesChange of seasonsReplaceConvert

Synonyms

  • 交换— to exchange; to swap
  • 更换— to replace; to change
  • 替换— to substitute; to replace

Antonyms

  • 固— fixed; solid (antonym to the 'change' sense)
  • 守— to guard; to keep (antonym to the 'exchange' sense)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I need to change money (换钱).
  • We exchanged business cards (换名片).
  • He changed his clothes (换衣服).
  • The seasons are changing (换季).

Collocations

  • Exchange(交换)
  • Change money(换钱)
  • Change clothes(换衣服)
  • Change of seasons(换季)
  • Replace(替换)
  • Convert(转换)

Idioms

  • To change one's appearance and name(改头换面)
  • To exchange cups (as in a toast)(换盏交杯)
  • To swap positions(换位思考)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 换 is fundamental in commerce and trade, representing the act of exchange.
  • It appears in contexts of transformation and renewal, such as changing seasons or personal change.
  • The radical 扌(hand) suggests an active, manual process of swapping or replacing.

FAQ