1.
to change (footwear or legwear)
To take off one pair of shoes, slippers, pants, or other items worn on the lower body and put on a different pair. Commonly used for changing shoes when entering a building.
玄関でスリッパに履き替えてください。
Please change into slippers at the entrance.
運動靴に履き替えて体育館に行った。
I changed into athletic shoes and went to the gym.
冬タイヤに履き替える時期だ。
It's time to change to winter tires.
CONJUGATION:
- 履き替える → 履き替えない (negative)
- 履き替える → 履き替えて (te-form)
- 履き替える → 履き替えた (past)
FORMATION:
Compound verb: 履く (to wear on lower body/feet) + 替える (to change/exchange)
USAGE:
Applies to anything worn on the lower body that is changed:
- 靴を履き替える (to change shoes)
- スリッパに履き替える (to change into slippers)
- ズボンを履き替える (to change pants)
- タイヤを履き替える (to change tires - extended usage)
JAPANESE CULTURE:
Changing shoes is an important custom in Japan. At schools, workplaces, homes, and many public buildings, visitors change from outdoor shoes (外履き) to indoor shoes (内履き/上履き).
SIMILAR COMPOUND VERBS:
- 着替える - to change clothes (upper body/general)
- 乗り換える - to transfer (vehicles)