Definition
换 (huàn) is a versatile, everyday verb for 'to exchange, change, or convert' — you use it for swapping places, changing clothes, or converting currency. It's more general and colloquial than 交换 (jiāo huàn), which is formal and used for exchanging ideas or gifts. For currency conversion, 换 is common in speech, while 兑换 (duì huàn) is the technical term.
verb
to exchangeto swapto change (clothes, etc.)to convert (currency)
Easily confused
- 还huánsound-aliketo return, to give back (something borrowed)
- 患huànsound-aliketo contract / suffer from (a disease)
- 环huánsound-alike(noun) ring, hoop, loop, link (of a chain)
- 缓huǎnsound-aliketo postpone, to delay, to defer
Examples
- 换。Wǒ měitiān huí jiā dōu huàn yīfu.I change clothes every day when I get home.
- 换。Wǒ zài yínháng huàn le rénmínbì.I exchanged RMB at the bank.
- 换？Nǐ néng hé wǒ huàn yíxià dìfang ma?Can you swap places with me?
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