Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxful
Hi, could someone kindly explain to me the difference between "換える" and "取り替える"? Are both verbs interchangeable?
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「換える」 and 「取り替える」 are not always interchangeable. The interchangeability depends on the object you are discussing.
Examples:
Batteries = intechangeable
Clothes = not so
Shoes/Socks = not so
Lamps = interchangeable
Things you can 取る/取りだす/取り外（はず）す, you can also 取り替える.
You cannot use the verbs 取る/取りだす/取り外（はず）す to say "take off the clothes" or "take off the shoes". Other compound verbs are in order here.
Think of what verbs you must use to say "to wear clothes or shoes" and you will get the correct compound verbs.
You can 「換える」 the things below but you cannot 「取り替える」 them.
Clothes ＝ 着替える（きがえる）
Shoes/Socks ＝ はき替える
Writings ＝ 書き換える
Cars ＝ 乗り換える (You get rid of your Honda and buy a Toyota.)
etc.