Dictionary
English - Japanese

Switch

swɪtʃ
Very common
~ 1900
~ 1900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

スイッチ (suitchi), 切り替える (kirikaeru), 交代する (こうたいする, koutai suru), 転換する (てんかんする, tenkan suru), スイッチを切り替える (suitchi o kirikaeru)

Switch meanings in Japanese

スイッチ (suitchi)

Example:
Please switch off the lights.
電気を消してください。
I need to switch the device on.
デバイスをオンにする必要があります。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both casual and professional settings when referring to turning something on or off.
Note: This term can refer to physical switches or electronic toggles.

切り替える (kirikaeru)

Example:
I will switch to a different plan.
別のプランに切り替えます。
Can you switch the topic?
トピックを切り替えてもらえますか?
Usage: formal/informalContext: Commonly used when changing from one state or condition to another.
Note: This verb can be used in both casual conversations and formal discussions.

交代する (こうたいする, koutai suru)

Example:
Let's switch places.
場所を交代しましょう。
We need to switch drivers.
ドライバーを交代する必要があります。
Usage: informalContext: Used in social contexts, usually among friends or family when exchanging roles or positions.
Note: This term emphasizes the act of alternating or swapping roles.

転換する (てんかんする, tenkan suru)

Example:
The company decided to switch its strategy.
会社は戦略を転換することを決定しました。
He switched careers after ten years.
彼は10年後にキャリアを転換しました。
Usage: formalContext: Used in professional and academic discussions, often regarding changes in strategy or direction.
Note: This term is more formal and is often used in business or policy contexts.

スイッチを切り替える (suitchi o kirikaeru)

Example:
Switching the switch can be tricky.
スイッチを切り替えるのは難しいこともあります。
She switched the switch back and forth.
彼女はスイッチを前後に切り替えました。
Usage: informalContext: Used in casual conversations about manipulating physical or electronic switches.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to the action of toggling a physical switch.

Switch's synonyms

toggle

To switch back and forth between two different states or options.
Example: You can toggle between different modes on the device.
Note: Toggle specifically implies switching between two options or states, usually by pressing a button or using a control.

shift

To move or change from one position or direction to another.
Example: You need to shift the gear to reverse the car.
Note: Shift often implies a more gradual or continuous change, such as shifting gears in a car or shifting focus in a conversation.

exchange

To give something and receive something in return; to swap or trade.
Example: Let's exchange seats so you can have a better view.
Note: Exchange implies a mutual giving and receiving, often involving a trade or substitution.

swap

To exchange one thing for another; to trade or switch.
Example: We can swap our books if you're interested in reading mine.
Note: Swap is similar to exchange but more informal and often used for direct one-to-one exchanges.

alternate

To take turns or switch back and forth between different things.
Example: You can alternate between using a pen and a pencil for the task.
Note: Alternate suggests a regular or systematic switching between two or more options in a sequence.

Switch expressions, common phrases

Switch gears

To change focus or direction, usually in a conversation or activity.
Example: Let's switch gears and talk about a different topic.
Note: This phrase uses 'switch' in a metaphorical sense, not related to an actual physical switch.

Switch sides

To change one's allegiance, beliefs, or position.
Example: I used to support that team, but I switched sides after the last game.
Note: In this context, 'switch' refers to changing positions or views.

Switch off

To turn off or deactivate a device or a source of light.
Example: Don't forget to switch off the lights before leaving the room.
Note: The word 'switch' in this case refers to turning something off, not necessarily physically changing.

Switch on

To turn on or activate a device or a source of light.
Example: Could you please switch on the air conditioner? It's getting hot in here.
Note: Similar to 'switch off,' 'switch on' refers to turning something on or activating it.

Bait and switch

A deceptive marketing practice where a product or service is advertised at a low price to attract customers, but then a different, usually more expensive, item is offered.
Example: The advertisement promised a great deal, but it was just a bait and switch tactic to get customers in the store.
Note: This phrase uses 'switch' in the context of deception or trickery.

Kill switch

A safety mechanism that can shut down a device or system quickly in case of emergency.
Example: The car's kill switch stopped the engine immediately when activated.
Note: In this case, 'switch' is used to describe a mechanism that stops or disables something.

Switchback

A zigzagging path or trail, especially on a steep incline.
Example: The hikers had to navigate several switchbacks to reach the mountain peak.
Note: Here, 'switch' is used to describe the sharp turns or changes in direction of a path or road.

Switcheroo

A sudden or unexpected change or substitution, often used informally.
Example: The magician performed a quick switcheroo, and the coin disappeared from one hand to the other.
Note: This term is playful and colloquial, referring to a quick or sneaky change.

Switch everyday (slang) expressions

Flip the switch

This term is commonly used to mean turning something on or activating something.
Example: I need to flip the switch to turn on the lights.
Note: The slang term 'flip the switch' adds a sense of immediacy or a quick action compared to just saying 'switch'.

Switch up

To 'switch up' means to change or alter something.
Example: Let's switch up the seating arrangement for the meeting.
Note: The term 'switch up' implies a more significant change or variation compared to a standard switch.

Switch it up

Similar to 'switch up', this phrase means to make a change or do something differently.
Example: Why don't we switch it up and try a new restaurant tonight?
Note: The addition of 'it' in 'switch it up' emphasizes a specific thing or action that is being changed.

Hit the switch

Means to activate or deactivate something with a switch, button, or control.
Example: When you're ready to leave, just hit the switch and we'll turn off the music.
Note: 'Hit the switch' is a more informal and action-oriented way to describe turning something on or off.

Switcherooed

To be the victim of a clever or unexpected switch or substitution.
Example: I got switcherooed with the unexpected change in plans.
Note: This term emphasizes the surprise or unexpected nature of the switch that has occurred.

Flipping switches

To be actively engaged in turning things on or off, typically in a repeated or rapid manner.
Example: She's been flipping switches all day trying to get the equipment running.
Note: This slang term adds a dynamic and continuous aspect to the act of using switches, compared to a single switch action.

Switch - Examples

Switch off the lights when you leave the room.
I need to switch trains at the next station.
Can you switch the TV channel to the news?

Switch grammar

Switch - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: switch
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): switches
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): switch
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): switched
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): switching
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): switches
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): switch
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): switch
Syllables, Separation and Stress
switch Contains 1 syllables: switch
Phonetic transcription: ˈswich
switch , ˈswich (The red syllable is stressed)

Switch - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
switch: ~ 1900 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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