When you're traveling, you'll often need to 両替する (ryōgae suru), which means to exchange money. This verb is used when you want to change one currency into another, for example, changing US dollars to Japanese yen. You can do this at a bank or a currency exchange counter. It's a very practical verb to know if you plan to visit Japan!
When traveling, you often need to change your home country's money for the local currency. This action, specifically exchanging money, is expressed by the Japanese verb 両替する (ryōgae suru). It literally means 'to exchange (両) money (替)'.
You'll typically use this verb at a bank, a currency exchange office, or sometimes at an airport. For example, if you say 'お金を両替したいです' (Okane o ryōgae shitai desu), you are expressing that you 'want to exchange money.'
When traveling, you often need to 両替する (ryougae suru), or exchange money. This verb specifically refers to exchanging one currency for another, such as exchanging US dollars for Japanese Yen. You might do this at a bank, a currency exchange office, or even some hotels. It's a very practical term to know if you plan on visiting Japan or any other country where you'll be dealing with different currencies.
両替する in 30 Seconds
- exchange currency
- money exchange
- currency conversion
§ Mistake 1: Confusing 両替する with other exchange verbs
- Definition
- Both 両替する and 交換する involve exchanging something, but their uses are distinct. 両替する is specifically for exchanging money, like changing a large bill into smaller ones, or exchanging foreign currency. 交換する is a more general term for exchanging items, goods, or even information.
Many learners mistakenly use 交換する when they mean to exchange money. While both involve an exchange, 両替する is the correct and natural verb to use when talking about money.
空港でドルを円に両替することができます。(Kūkō de doru o en ni ryougae suru koto ga dekimasu.)
Hint: You can exchange dollars for yen at the airport.
これは壊れているので、新しいものと交換する必要があります。(Kore wa kowarete iru node, atarashii mono to kōkan suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.)
Hint: This is broken, so I need to exchange it for a new one.
§ Mistake 2: Incorrect particle usage
- Definition
- When using 両替する, the particles used with the currencies can be tricky. Typically, the currency you are exchanging *from* is marked with を (o), and the currency you are exchanging *into* is marked with に (ni).
A common error is to mix up these particles or use the wrong ones entirely. This can lead to confusion about what you want to exchange and what you want to receive.
千円札を百円玉に両替する。(Sen-en satsu o hyaku-en dama ni ryougae suru.)
Hint: To exchange a 1,000 yen bill into 100 yen coins.
Here, 千円札 (1,000 yen bill) is what you have, so it takes を. 百円玉 (100 yen coins) is what you want, so it takes に.
Correct: ドルを円に両替する (doru o en ni ryougae suru) - to exchange dollars into yen.
Incorrect: ドルに円を両替する (doru ni en o ryougae suru) - this would imply exchanging yen into dollars, or potentially exchanging 'yen' for 'dollars' which isn't the natural way to say it.
§ Mistake 3: Forgetting the suru verb
- Definition
- 両替 (ryōgae) is the noun meaning 'money exchange'. To make it a verb, you need to add する (suru), making it 両替する (ryōgae suru).
Beginners sometimes forget to add する, using just 両替 as a verb. This is incorrect and makes the sentence grammatically incomplete.
ここで両替することができますか。(Koko de ryougae suru koto ga dekimasu ka?)
Hint: Can I exchange money here?
Correct: 銀行で両替する (ginkō de ryougae suru) - to exchange money at the bank.
Incorrect: 銀行で両替 (ginkō de ryougae) - this just means 'money exchange at the bank', not 'to exchange money at the bank'.
§ Understanding 両替する (ryōgaesuru)
両替する (りょうがえする) is a verb that means 'to exchange money.' It's what you do when you convert one currency to another, like changing US dollars to Japanese yen, or when you break a large bill into smaller denominations. This is a practical word you'll definitely use when traveling or living in Japan.
- Japanese Word
- 両替する (りょうがえする)
- Definition
- To exchange money.
- CEFR Level
- B1
§ Examples of 両替する in use
空港でドルを円に両替しました。
- Hint
- I exchanged dollars for yen at the airport.
すみません、一万円札を千円札に両替できますか？
- Hint
- Excuse me, can I exchange a 10,000 yen bill for 1,000 yen bills?
銀行で外貨を両替するのが一番です。
- Hint
- It's best to exchange foreign currency at a bank.
§ Similar words and when to use them
While 両替する is straightforward for exchanging money, there are other words in Japanese that deal with changing or replacing things. Understanding the nuances will help you use the right word in the right situation.
- 換える (kaeru): This is a more general verb meaning 'to change,' 'to replace,' or 'to convert.' It can be used for money, but it's much broader. You could 換える clothes, a job, or even your mind.
服を換える。
- Hint
- To change clothes.
仕事を変える。
- Hint
- To change jobs.
When it comes to money, while you *could* say お金を換える (okane o kaeru), 両替する is much more specific and natural when talking about currency exchange. Think of 換える as 'general change' and 両替する as 'currency exchange.'
- 交換する (kōkansuru): This means 'to exchange' or 'to trade.' It implies a mutual exchange of items, like exchanging gifts, business cards, or even prisoners. While money can be exchanged, 交換する suggests a trade of equal value or items, not just converting one currency to another for value.
プレゼントを交換する。
- Hint
- To exchange gifts.
名刺を交換しました。
- Hint
- We exchanged business cards.
You wouldn't typically use 交換する for changing currency at a bank or an exchange counter. That's specifically 両替する.
- 変更する (henkōsuru): This means 'to change' or 'to alter,' often referring to plans, schedules, or rules. It's about making adjustments or revisions.
予約を変更する。
- Hint
- To change a reservation.
Clearly, 変更する is not used for exchanging money.
Pronunciation Guide
- mispronouncing the 'ryo' sound
- incorrectly articulating the 'ga' sound
- not shortening the 'u' at the end of 'suru'
Difficulty Rating
Kanji for 'ryou' (両) and 'gae' (替) might be new for some learners at B1.
Writing the kanji correctly requires practice.
Pronunciation is straightforward.
Clearly distinguishable in conversation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
ここで両替できますか？
Can I exchange money here?
Here, 'ここで' (koko de) means 'here' and 'できますか' (dekimasu ka) means 'can I?'
ドルを円に両替してください。
Please exchange dollars to yen.
'ドル' (doru) is dollars, '円' (en) is yen, and 'してください' (shite kudasai) means 'please do'.
銀行で両替します。
I will exchange money at the bank.
'銀行' (ginkō) means bank. 'で' (de) indicates the location of the action.
いくら両替しますか？
How much money will you exchange?
'いくら' (ikura) means 'how much'.
空港で両替しました。
I exchanged money at the airport.
'空港' (kūkō) means airport. The past tense of '両替する' is '両替しました' (ryōgae shimashita).
小さいお金に両替したいです。
I want to exchange for smaller bills/coins.
'小さいお金' (chiisai okane) means small money or smaller bills/coins. 'したいです' (shitai desu) means 'I want to do'.
両替所はどこですか？
Where is the money exchange place?
'両替所' (ryōgaejo) is a money exchange place. 'どこですか' (doko desu ka) means 'where is it?'
両替の手数料はいくらですか？
How much is the exchange fee?
'手数料' (tesūryō) means fee. 'いくらですか' (ikura desu ka) means 'how much is it?'
空港でドルを日本円に両替できますか？
Can I exchange dollars for Japanese yen at the airport?
〜で (at a place), 〜を〜に (exchange A for B)
ホテルで両替するのが一番便利です。
It's most convenient to exchange money at the hotel.
〜のが一番〜です (doing ~ is the most ~)
この銀行で外貨を両替したいです。
I want to exchange foreign currency at this bank.
〜で (at a place), 〜したいです (I want to do ~)
小さいお店では両替できないことが多いです。
You often can't exchange money at small shops.
〜では (at a place), 〜ことが多いです (it's often the case that ~)
日本に行く前に少し両替しておきました。
I exchanged a little money before going to Japan.
〜する前に (before doing ~), 〜ておく (do something in advance)
両替手数料はいくらですか？
How much is the exchange fee?
〜はいくらですか (how much is ~?)
駅の近くに両替所があります。
There's an exchange office near the station.
〜の近くに (near ~), 〜があります (there is ~)
私はいつも旅行中に両替します。
I always exchange money while traveling.
〜中に (while/during ~), いつも (always)
空港でドルを日本円に両替できますか？
Can I exchange dollars for Japanese Yen at the airport?
銀行は午前9時から午後3時まで両替を受け付けています。
The bank accepts money exchange from 9 AM to 3 PM.
旅行前に地元の銀行でユーロを両替する方がお得かもしれません。
It might be more economical to exchange euros at a local bank before your trip.
両替手数料が高いので、少額ずつ両替するのではなく、まとめて両替した方が良いでしょう。
The exchange fees are high, so it's better to exchange a lump sum rather than small amounts frequently.
この機械で千円札を百円玉に両替できます。
You can exchange 1,000 yen bills for 100 yen coins with this machine.
残念ながら、このホテルでは外貨の両替はできません。
Unfortunately, this hotel does not offer foreign currency exchange.
海外旅行の際は、主要通貨をあらかじめ両替しておくことをお勧めします。
When traveling abroad, it's recommended to exchange major currencies in advance.
友人が現地の通貨を両替してくれたので、とても助かりました。
My friend exchanged some local currency for me, which was a great help.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
ここで両替できますか？
Can I exchange money here?
どこで両替できますか？
Where can I exchange money?
このお金を両替したいです。
I want to exchange this money.
円に両替してください。
Please exchange it to yen.
いくら両替しますか？
How much money will you exchange?
両替レートはいくらですか？
What is the exchange rate?
手数料はかかりますか？
Is there a handling fee?
少額紙幣に両替できますか？
Can I exchange it for small bills?
他の通貨に両替できますか？
Can I exchange it for other currencies?
両替するのに時間がかかりますか？
Does it take time to exchange money?
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
〜を両替する (〜 o ryougae suru)
ここで両替できますか？ (koko de ryougae dekimasu ka?)
どこで両替できますか？ (doko de ryougae dekimasu ka?)
〜に両替する (〜 ni ryougae suru)
〜を〜に両替する (〜 o 〜 ni ryougae suru)
両替所 (ryougaejo)
両替手数料 (ryougae tesuuryou)
両替レート (ryougae reeto)
Word Family
Nouns
Tips
Basic use of 両替する
The most common use of 両替する (ryōgae suru) is when you want to exchange currency, like dollars for yen. You'll often hear it at banks or currency exchange counters.
Formality and politeness
When asking to exchange money, you can say, 「両替をお願いします。」 (Ryōgae o onegai shimasu.) which means, 'I would like to exchange money, please.' This is polite and appropriate.
Asking where to exchange
If you need to find a place to exchange money, you can ask, 「どこで両替できますか？」 (Doko de ryōgae dekimasu ka?) meaning, 'Where can I exchange money?'
Specifying currency
To specify what you want to exchange, you can say, 「ドルを円に両替したいです。」 (Doru o en ni ryōgae shitai desu.) which means, 'I want to exchange dollars for yen.'
Not for small change
While 両替する means to exchange money, it's typically used for currency exchange, not for getting smaller denominations (like breaking a 1000 yen note into smaller coins). For that, you'd usually ask for 'kuzusu' (崩す) which means to break a large bill.
Common exchange locations
In Japan, you can usually exchange money at banks (銀行 - ginkō), post offices (郵便局 - yūbinkyoku), and major international airports. Some larger hotels also offer currency exchange services.
Using it with amounts
You can mention the amount you want to exchange. For example, 「100ドルを両替してください。」 (Hyaku doru o ryōgae shite kudasai.) means, 'Please exchange 100 dollars.'
Past tense usage
To say you 'exchanged money,' you use the past tense: 「両替しました。」 (Ryōgae shimashita.) which means, 'I exchanged money.'
Related vocabulary: 為替
A more advanced term related to money exchange is 為替 (kawase), which refers to exchange rates or foreign exchange in general. You might see this term in financial contexts.
Practice with example sentences
Try saying these out loud:
「空港で両替しました。」 (Kūkō de ryōgae shimashita.) - 'I exchanged money at the airport.'
「この銀行で両替できますか？」 (Kono ginkō de ryōgae dekimasu ka?) - 'Can I exchange money at this bank?'
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'ryougae suru' sounding a bit like 'regular gay exchange' (though the 'gay' part is purely for rhyming, not meaning). Imagine a regular person exchanging money.
Visual Association
Picture a 'ryo' (like a small fish) happily 'gae' (gazing) at a pile of foreign money, ready to 'suru' (do, or exchange) it. Or, visualize a 'ryokan' (traditional Japanese inn) where they offer money exchange services.
Word Web
Challenge
Next time you hear or read about exchanging money, try to use '両替する' in your head or out loud. For example, if you're planning a trip, think: 'When I go to Japan, I will need to 両替する my money.'
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThat's a great question! While both 両替する (ryougae suru) and 交換する (koukan suru) can mean 'to exchange,' they're used in different contexts. 両替する specifically refers to exchanging money, like converting currency at a bank or changing a large bill for smaller ones. 交換する is more general and can be used for exchanging items, information, or even ideas.
You can use 両替する (ryougae suru) straightforwardly. For example, if you want to say 'I want to exchange money,' you could say: お金を両替したいです (okane o ryougae shitai desu). If you want to specify what you're exchanging, you'd use the particle 'を'. So, 'I want to exchange dollars for yen' would be: ドルを円に両替したいです (doru o en ni ryougae shitai desu).
No, you cannot. 両替する (ryougae suru) is specifically for exchanging money. If you're exchanging other things, like clothes or gifts, you would use a different verb like 交換する (koukan suru) or 取り替える (torikaeru).
A polite way to ask would be: すみません、両替できますか？ (Sumimasen, ryougae dekimasu ka?), which means 'Excuse me, can I exchange money?' If you want to be more specific, you can add what you want to exchange: 千円札を両替できますか？ (Sen-en satsu o ryougae dekimasu ka?) meaning 'Can I exchange a 1000 yen bill?'
In Japan, you can usually 両替する (ryougae suru) at banks, post offices, some larger hotels, and currency exchange counters at airports and major train stations. You might also find currency exchange machines in some tourist areas.
It's generally not common to ask a regular shop to 両替する (ryougae suru) a large bill just for smaller change if you're not making a purchase. However, if you are buying something, they will give you change. If you have a large bill and need smaller denominations, it's best to go to a bank or a dedicated currency exchange.
The kanji for 両替する (ryougae suru) are 両 (ryō) meaning 'both' or 'two,' and 替 (gae) meaning 'to exchange' or 'to replace.' So literally, it's like exchanging two things, or two forms of money.
Yes, a common phrase you might hear or use is 両替所 (ryougaesho), which means 'currency exchange office' or 'money exchange counter.' You might also hear 外貨両替 (gaika ryougae) which means 'foreign currency exchange.'
If banks are closed, your options for 両替する (ryougae suru) become more limited. You could try currency exchange counters at airports or large train stations that have extended hours, or some larger hotels might offer the service to guests. Otherwise, you might need to use an ATM for cash withdrawal in local currency, though this isn't technically 'exchanging' your home currency.
While 両替する (ryougae suru) covers it generally, if you want to be very specific about breaking a large bill into smaller ones, you might hear 崩す (kuzusu) used, as in 一万円札を崩したい (ichiman-en satsu o kuzushitai), meaning 'I want to break a 10,000 yen bill.' However, 両替する is perfectly fine and understood in this context as well.
Test Yourself 42 questions
You are at a bank in Japan and need to exchange money. Write a simple sentence asking to exchange money.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
お金を両替したいです。
Imagine you have a 10,000 yen bill and want to exchange it for smaller denominations. Write a simple sentence to express this.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
一万円を両替してください。
You are going to a different country and need to exchange Japanese yen for the local currency. Write a simple sentence saying you will exchange money.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
海外でお金を両替します。
この人はどこでお金を両替しましたか？ (Where did this person exchange money?)
Read this passage:
私は空港でお金を両替しました。旅行の前に、いつも両替します。
この人はどこでお金を両替しましたか？ (Where did this person exchange money?)
文章に「空港でお金を両替しました」とあります。(The passage says 'I exchanged money at the airport.')
文章に「空港でお金を両替しました」とあります。(The passage says 'I exchanged money at the airport.')
この駅で両替できますか？ (Can you exchange money at this station?)
Read this passage:
すみません、この駅に両替できる場所はありますか？いいえ、ありません。次の駅にはあります。
この駅で両替できますか？ (Can you exchange money at this station?)
「いいえ、ありません」と返答されています。(The reply is 'No, there isn't.')
「いいえ、ありません」と返答されています。(The reply is 'No, there isn't.')
この人は何を両替したいですか？ (What does this person want to exchange?)
Read this passage:
日本円から米ドルに両替したいです。どのくらいかかりますか？
この人は何を両替したいですか？ (What does this person want to exchange?)
「日本円から米ドルに両替したいです」と書かれています。(It says 'I want to exchange Japanese Yen to US Dollars.')
「日本円から米ドルに両替したいです」と書かれています。(It says 'I want to exchange Japanese Yen to US Dollars.')
This sentence means 'I exchange money.' The order is Subject + Object + Verb.
This sentence means 'Can I exchange money here?' The location adverb comes first, then the verb phrase.
This means 'Please exchange to yen.' The particle 'に' indicates the result of the exchange, followed by the polite request.
This sentence means 'I exchanged money at the station.' The particles 'で' (at) and 'を' (object marker) are important for sentence structure.
This sentence asks 'Can I exchange dollars to yen at the bank?' The particle 'に' indicates the result of the exchange.
This sentence means 'It is convenient to exchange money at the airport.' 'のが' is used to turn the verb phrase into a noun phrase.
Imagine you're at the bank in Japan. You need to exchange your US dollars for Japanese Yen. Write a short sentence in Japanese to tell the teller you want to exchange money.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ドルを円に両替したいです。
You're traveling and ran out of local currency. You need to exchange money at the airport. Write a sentence in Japanese asking where you can exchange money.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
どこで両替できますか。
You just arrived at a hotel and want to exchange some money. Write a Japanese sentence asking if the hotel can exchange money.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
このホテルで両替できますか。
Where can the person exchange money?
Read this passage:
すみません、この近くに銀行はありますか。ドルを円に両替したいのですが。はい、この道をまっすぐ行くと、左手に大きな銀行がありますよ。そこで両替できます。
Where can the person exchange money?
The passage states 「左手に大きな銀行がありますよ。そこで両替できます。」which means 'There's a big bank on your left. You can exchange money there.'
The passage states 「左手に大きな銀行がありますよ。そこで両替できます。」which means 'There's a big bank on your left. You can exchange money there.'
Where does the person usually exchange money now?
Read this passage:
海外旅行に行く前に、いつも空港で両替します。でも、空港の両替所はレートがあまり良くないことが多いです。だから、最近は現地の銀行で両替するようにしています。
Where does the person usually exchange money now?
The passage says 「最近は現地の銀行で両替するようにしています。」which means 'Recently, I've been exchanging money at local banks.'
The passage says 「最近は現地の銀行で両替するようにしています。」which means 'Recently, I've been exchanging money at local banks.'
What is important to check before exchanging money?
Read this passage:
日本では、銀行だけでなく、郵便局や一部のホテルでも両替ができます。ただし、場所によって両替レートが違うので、事前に確認することをおすすめします。
What is important to check before exchanging money?
The passage states 「場所によって両替レートが違うので、事前に確認することをおすすめします。」meaning 'Since the exchange rate differs depending on the place, it's recommended to check it beforehand.'
The passage states 「場所によって両替レートが違うので、事前に確認することをおすすめします。」meaning 'Since the exchange rate differs depending on the place, it's recommended to check it beforehand.'
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 銀行でドルを円に___。
「両替する」specifically means to exchange money, which fits the context of exchanging dollars for yen at a bank. 「交換する」is a more general term for exchanging items, 「変更する」means to change or alter, and 「変える」is a general verb for changing something.
Which sentence correctly uses 「両替する」?
「両替する」is used for exchanging money. The other options describe exchanging goods or items, for which different verbs would be more appropriate.
If you want to exchange currency at a hotel, what would you most likely ask?
「外貨 (gaika)」means foreign currency, and 「両替する」is the correct verb for exchanging money. The other options refer to exchanging luggage, rooms, or reservations, which are not done with 「両替する」.
「両替する」can be used when exchanging a broken item for a new one at a store.
「両替する」specifically refers to exchanging money or currency. For exchanging a broken item, you would use a different verb like 「交換する」 (kōkan suru).
When you want to get smaller bills from a large bill at a convenience store, you can use the phrase 「お札を両替してください」.
While 「両替する」often refers to currency exchange, it can also be used to ask for change in smaller denominations, especially in situations where you are breaking a large bill into smaller ones.
「両替所」 (ryōgaesho) is a place where you can buy souvenirs.
「両替所」 (ryōgaesho) specifically means a currency exchange office, a place where you can exchange money. It is not a place to buy souvenirs.
Can you exchange dollars for Japanese Yen at the airport?
Where can I exchange money at the bank?
This hotel does not exchange foreign currency.
Read this aloud:
駅でユーロを両替したいです。
Focus: 両替したいです (ryōgae shitai desu)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
円を両替するにはどこに行けばいいですか？
Focus: 両替するには (ryōgae suru ni wa)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
すみません、両替機はありますか？
Focus: 両替機 (ryōgaeki)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Can I exchange to Japanese Yen?
Where can I exchange money?
Are there any fees?
Read this aloud:
日本円に両替したいです。
Focus: ni-hon-en ni ryō-gae shi-tai desu
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
このドルを日本円に両替してください。
Focus: ko-no do-ru o ni-hon-en ni ryō-gae shi-te ku-da-sai
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
一番良いレートで両替したいです。
Focus: i-chi-ban ii rē-to de ryō-gae shi-tai desu
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
両替する is the verb you use when you want to exchange money, especially foreign currency.
- exchange currency
- money exchange
- currency conversion
Basic use of 両替する
The most common use of 両替する (ryōgae suru) is when you want to exchange currency, like dollars for yen. You'll often hear it at banks or currency exchange counters.
Formality and politeness
When asking to exchange money, you can say, 「両替をお願いします。」 (Ryōgae o onegai shimasu.) which means, 'I would like to exchange money, please.' This is polite and appropriate.
Asking where to exchange
If you need to find a place to exchange money, you can ask, 「どこで両替できますか？」 (Doko de ryōgae dekimasu ka?) meaning, 'Where can I exchange money?'
Specifying currency
To specify what you want to exchange, you can say, 「ドルを円に両替したいです。」 (Doru o en ni ryōgae shitai desu.) which means, 'I want to exchange dollars for yen.'
Example
空港でドルを円に両替した。
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