言葉(ことば)を交(か)わす

ことばをかわす
expression
to exchange words; to have a conversation
communication
1. to exchange words; to have a conversation; to talk with each other
Describes two or more people speaking with each other. Implies a mutual exchange rather than one-sided communication. Can range from a brief greeting to a longer conversation.
二人(ふたり)は短(みじか)い言葉(ことば)を交(か)わした。
The two exchanged a few words.
隣(となり)の人(ひと)と言葉(ことば)を交(か)わす機会(きかい)がなかった。
I didn't have a chance to talk with the person next to me.
あいさつ程度(ていど)の言葉(ことば)を交(か)わすだけの関係(かんけい)だった。
Our relationship was limited to exchanging greetings.

A set phrase combining 言葉(ことば) (words) with 交(か)わす (to exchange). Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of verbal communication — both parties are speaking. Often used in literary or slightly formal contexts.

Usage

Can describe anything from a brief exchange of greetings to a lengthy conversation. The type of exchange is often qualified: 短(みじか)い言葉(ことば)を交(か)わす (exchange a few words), 親(した)しく言葉(ことば)を交(か)わす (chat warmly).

Common collocations

  • 短(みじか)い言葉(ことば)を交(か)わす — to exchange a few brief words
  • 親(した)しく言葉(ことば)を交(か)わす — to converse intimately
  • あいさつの言葉(ことば)を交(か)わす — to exchange greetings

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 会話(かいわ) (to converse)
Compare: 語(かた)り合(あ)う (to talk together at length)
Related: 会話(かいわ)を交(か)わす (to exchange conversation)
Related: 飲(の)み交(か)わす (to drink together)
general
Added 2026.3.26 11:41 · Revised 2026.10.19 9:58
19500/19502_kotobawokawasu