取り替える
とりかえる · torikaeru · JLPT N4 · verb-ichidan
to exchange
🔄 取り替える = take (取り) + swap (替える): take one out, swap another in
取る (toru) means to take; 替える (kaeru) means to swap or substitute. Joined as tori-kaeru, it is literally take-and-swap: remove the old thing and put a new one in its place, as with batteries or a faulty purchase.
取 — ear 耳 + hand 又
取 originally depicted a hand (又) grasping an ear (耳), referencing the ancient practice of soldiers cutting off enemies' left ears as proof of kills to claim rewards. The meaning broadened from 'seize/take by force' to the general sense of 'take, get, obtain' used today.
替 — two 夫 (man) over 曰 (say)
Originally written with two 立 (stand) over 白, depicting two people side by side, suggesting replacement or alternation. The form evolved to two 夫 over 曰. The core meaning shifted from 'decline/abolish' to 'replace, substitute for'.