1.
to transfer, to change (trains, buses)
To get off one vehicle and board another to continue a journey.
2.
to switch, to change over
To change from one thing to another (e.g., changing providers or methods).
TRANSITIVITY: 自動詞 (intransitive). Pattern: Xで乗り換える (transfer at X) / Xに乗り換える (transfer to X).
ASPECT: ている indicates completed action. 乗り換えている = 'has transferred.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 電車を乗り換える (transfer trains)
- Xで乗り換える (transfer at X station)
- Xに乗り換える (transfer to X line/train)
- 乗り換え (transfer—noun)
- 乗り換え案内 (transfer information)
COMPOUND VERB: This is a compound of 乗る (to ride) + 換える (to change).
TRAVEL VOCABULARY:
- 乗り換え駅 (transfer station)
- 直通 (direct, non-stop—opposite concept)