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交替 (jiāo tì) — to alternate; to take turns; to replace each other (in a recurring sequence)

Definition

A more formal, written-style word for two things swapping in a recurring sequence. Stronger than 轮流 (people taking turns) and 更强调自然/制度性的轮换; 接替 is for one person replacing another in a post.

verb
to alternateto take turnsto replace each other (in a recurring sequence)

Examples

  • 交替。
    Bái tiān hé hēi yè jiāo tì chū xiàn.
    Day and night appear alternately.
  • 交替，。
    Duì yuán men jiāo tì shàng chǎng, bǎo chí tǐ lì.
    The team members take turns going on the field to conserve energy.
  • 交替。
    Xīn jiù zhì dù zài biàn gé zhōng jiāo tì.
    Old and new systems alternate during reform.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

交jiāoexchange
替tìreplace

Both parts mean exchange or replace, giving the sense of taking turns or succeeding one another.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

交 originally drew a human with crossed legs. In the modern shape, the upper part resembles a standing person.

Open 交 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

替 combines 竝, two figures side by side, with 曰; the picture shows those figures changing places.

Open 替 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Order & Arrangement

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