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交换 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
交换jiāohuànto exchangeHSK 5, v, rank #2480, Medium
交换jiāohuànto swapHSK 5, v, rank #2480, Medium
交换jiāohuànto switch (telecom)HSK 5, v, rank #2480, Medium
交换jiāohuàncommutative (math)HSK 5, v, rank #2480, Medium
交换jiāohuànto commuteHSK 5, v, rank #2480, Medium
jiāohuàn(jiao1huan4) T1
  1. 1to exchange
  2. 2to swap
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March 24, 2026
交换(交換)jiāohuàn(jiao1huan4)

The verb 交换 (jiāo huàn) means 'to exchange' or 'to swap.' It is commonly used in contexts such as trading items, exchanging information, or switching places. This word can also apply to mathematical concepts, indicating the commutative property of operations.

Frequency#2480DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of exchange is significant in various contexts, such as the practice of gift-giving during festivals where items are swapped to symbolize goodwill and friendship. This reflects the value placed on relationships and reciprocity.

Memory Tip

Imagine two friends holding hands, 'exchanging' their favorite items. The character 交 (jiāo) suggests connection or interaction, while 换 (huàn) looks like the two items being swapped. Picture their hands moving back and forth, emphasizing the action of exchanging.

Meanings of 交换

jiāohuàn(jiao1huan4)
1to exchange
2to swap
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 交换

交换Simplified
交換Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2480Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 交换

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Podcast: 交换

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AI Study Notes for 交换

Quick Contrast

换 (huàn) - use 交换 (jiāohuàn) when emphasizing a mutual exchange between parties, rather than just a simple change.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine two friends holding hands, 'exchanging' their favorite items. The character 交 (jiāo) suggests connection or interaction, while 换 (huàn) looks like the two items being swapped. Picture their hands moving back and forth, emphasizing the action of exchanging.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 交换 with other similar verbs like 改变 (gǎi biàn, to change) or 互换 (hù huàn, which specifically means to interchange). This word is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Pay attention to the tones to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 交换 is essential for discussing topics like trade, communication, and mathematics. Students should focus on its use in both everyday situations and academic contexts, and how it can pair with other verbs like 送 (sòng, to give) or 接 (jiē, to receive).

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of exchange is significant in various contexts, such as the practice of gift-giving during festivals where items are swapped to symbolize goodwill and friendship. This reflects the value placed on relationships and reciprocity.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 交换 with 交换意见 (jiāo huàn yì jiàn, to exchange opinions), using it too broadly. Remember, 交换 specifically refers to a swap or exchange of items or information, not just thoughts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 交换

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Component Characters

交jiāoto hand over
HSK 46 strokes亠
View full entry
换huànto change
HSK 310 strokes扌
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Write 交换

交
换

Practice writing 交换 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 交换

交换 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

他们可以与他们选择的任何人____或分享这份合约。

They can transfer or share the contract with whosoever they choose.

Example Sentences for 交换 (15)

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1
他们可以与他们选择的任何人交换或分享这份合约。

tā mén kě yǐ yǔ tā mén xuǎn zé de rèn hé rén jiāo huàn huò fēn xiǎng zhè fèn hé yuē。

They can transfer or share the contract with whosoever they choose.
2
市场和街道上挤满了前来做物物交换的人。

shì cháng hé jiē dào shàng jǐ mǎn le qián lái zuò wù wù jiāo huàn de rén。

The market-place and street were crowded with those who'd come to barter.
3
那就不会是完全公平的交换了.

nà jiù bù huì shì wán quán gōng píng de jiāo huàn le.

It wouldn't exactly have been a fair trade.
4
那就定下来了，我们今晚交换联系地址。

nà jiù dìng xià lái le， ， wǒ mén jīn wǎn jiāo huàn lián xì dì。

That's settled then. We'll exchange addresses tonight.
5
他们怀疑内维尔和福斯特先生交换了秘密情报。

tā mén huái yí nèi wéi ěr hé fú sī tè xiān shēng jiāo huàn le mì mì qíng bào。

They suspected that Neville had traded secret information with Mr Foster.
6
我想私下和你交换点意见.

wǒ xiǎng sī xià hé nǐ jiāo huàn diǎn yì jiàn.

I should like to exchange a few words with you in confidence.
7
如果你想要外线, 你得叫交换台给你转.

rú guǒ nǐ xiǎng yào wài xiàn, , nǐ dé jiào jiāo huàn tái gěi nǐ.

If you want an outside line, you'll have to ask the switchboard.
8
这本杂志我看完了。我能跟你交换一下吗？

zhè běn zá zhì wǒ kàn wán le。 。 wǒ néng gēn nǐ jiāo huàn yī xià？

I've finished this magazine. Can I swap with you?
9
商品自由交换惠泽八方。

shāng pǐn zì yóu jiāo huàn huì zé bā fāng。

Free exchange of goods was advantageous to all.
10
夫妻俩意味深长地交换了一下眼色,但什么都没说.

fū qī liǎng yì wèi shēn cháng dì jiāo huàn le yī xià yǎn sè, , dàn shí mó dū méi.

The couple exchanged meaningful glances but said nothing.
11
在国际会议上，各国代表交换了关于气候变化的最新研究成果。

Zài guójì huìyì shàng, gèguó dàibiǎo jiāohuànle guānyú qìhòu biànhuà de zuìxīn yánjiū chéngguǒ.

At the international conference, representatives from various countries exchanged the latest research findings on climate change.
12
我们在旅行时喜欢与当地人交换纪念品。

Wǒmen zài lǚxíng shí xǐhuan yǔ dāngdì rén jiāohuàn jìniànpǐn.

We like to exchange souvenirs with locals when we travel.
13
他们在会议上交换了对项目的不同看法。

Tāmen zài huìyì shàng jiāohuànle duì xiàngmù de bùtóng kànfǎ.

They exchanged different views on the project at the meeting.
14
学生们通过邮件交换学习资料。

Xuéshēngmen tōngguò yóujiàn jiāohuàn xuéxí zīliào.

Students exchange study materials via email.
15
在文化节上，大家愉快地交换了各自国家的美食。

Zài wénhuà jié shàng, dàjiā yúkuài de jiāohuànle gèzì guójiā de měishí.

At the cultural festival, everyone happily exchanged foods from their respective countries.

Cultural Notes for 交换

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of exchange is significant in various contexts, such as the practice of gift-giving during festivals where items are swapped to symbolize goodwill and friendship. This reflects the value placed on relationships and reciprocity.

Frequently Asked Questions about 交换

Yes, 交换 can refer to exchanging digital items like files or information, especially in a tech context.