交替

jiāotì

verb HSK 7-9 #20,021

Meanings

1 to alternate
2 to take turns
3 alternation

Characters

to alternate; to exchange

to replace; to substitute

Literally 'exchange and replace' — to alternate

Examples

白天和黑夜交替出现。

Báitiān hé hēiyè jiāotì chūxiàn.

Day and night alternate.

新旧交替是自然规律。

Xīnjiù jiāotì shì zìránguīlǜ.

The alternation of old and new is a natural law.

Tips

usage

交替 describes two things taking turns in a cycle: 季节交替 (seasonal changes), 新旧交替 (transition from old to new). It implies a regular or natural alternation.

Stroke Order

交 jiāo

替 tì