代
Substitute
| on’yomi | kun’yomi | Radicals |
|---|---|---|
| だい | かわ.る, かえ.る | ｲ + 弋 |
Meaning: Substitute
The leader for the ceremony wasn’t available, so they had to find a substitute.
First, come up with a really weird ceremony. Then, be someone who’s coordinating this weird ceremony. Much to your surprise, the leader of the ceremony itself didn’t show up. You have to figure something out… you have to find (and imagine yourself doing this) the substitute leader. Also, the sub does terribly – what a disaster, and it’s all your fault, because you’re coordinating.
Reading: だい
Turns out you were being kind of mean. The original (who got replaced by the substitute) leader actually died (だい), and you were all pissed at them. How do you feel now? That wasn’t very nice.
Imagine how you’d feel if this happened. Hopefully will teach you not to think bad things about people, because maybe it could cause them to die, you know?
Vocabulary
Learn the meanings of these words before you move on (and the readings if you’re able).
a 代わる（かわる）＝ Take The Place Of, Exchange
- Meaning: The meaning is the verb form of the kanji’s meaning.
- Reading: One of the kun’yomi. There are a couple, so I recommend using the study cards to learn it.
a 代わり（かわり）＝ Substitute
- Meaning: The meaning is the same as the kanji. This is the noun “substitute,”
- Reading: Once again, recommend using the study cards to learn this word’s reading.
a 代える（かえる）＝ To Replace, To Exchange
- Meaning: This is when you’re doing the replacing / substituting / exchanging. You’re doing the action of substituting something.
- Reading: Use your study cards to learn this one. Just focus on the meaning for now.
a 一代（いちだい）＝ Generation, Lifetime
- Combo: 一 (one) + 代 (generation)
- Reading: One generation is one lifetime (at least for that one generation).
- Note: This kanji can also mean “generation.” Confusing, I know, but it’s a little exception you should know about.
a 代用（だいよう）＝ Substitution
- Combo: 代 (substitute) + 用 (task)
- Meaning: A task of substituting is a “substitution.”
- Reading: Know the on’yomi and you’ll be okay.