為替

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 為替, read かわせ. This noun covers foreign-exchange transactions and the rates used to exchange currencies.
• Basic usage: 為替の仕組み concerns how foreign exchange works before an overseas transfer, while 為替相場 identifies the current rate shown by a bank.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• How exchange works before a transfer
  • The exchange mechanism is reviewed before money is sent overseas. Example: 海外へ送金する前に、為替の仕組みを確認しました。 — Before sending money overseas, I reviewed how foreign exchange works.
• A current rate on a bank screen
  • The bank display shows the current exchange rate. Example: 銀行の画面に現在の為替相場が表示されています。 — The bank screen displays the current exchange rate.