While the meaning of 代える seems rather straightforward, the other two at times
delude me. When should one be used over another? Are there any situations
where both 換える and 替える are applicable?
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question
word-choice
換える, 替える, 代える, 変える and their intransitive equivalents
Here's how I understand them

`変える`: You didn't include it, but most generic. "Change", "alter"

`代える`: Substitute (one thing for another)

>   * バターをマーガリンに代えてみたらどうですか → Why [don't you / not] substitute margarine for
> butter?
>

`換える`: exchange

>   * 円をドルに換える → Exchange yen for dollars / Change yen into dollars
>   * 乗客に席を換えてもらう → Get another passenger to switch seats with me
>   * オイル交換 → Oil change
>   * 換気扇 → A ventilation fan
>

The idea here is that there is some kind of reciprocation. Agent A gives
something to agent B, and agent B gives something back to agent A.

`替える`: Replace (something with a newer something)

>   * 古い機械を新しいのに替える必要がある → The old machines need to be replaced by [with] new
> ones.
>   * 畳を替える → Have the tatami mats re-covered
>   * 替え芯【しん】 → (pencil) lead refills; (pen) ballpoint pen refill
>

The truth is, there is a lot of overlap, so it's not always so easy to decide
which is most correct.
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