The Kanji: 迭 (Tetsu)
The kanji 迭 (read as tetsu) carries the core meaning of "alternate," "transfer," or "take turns." It is composed of the radical 辶 (movement) and 失 (lose), creating the nuanced idea of one thing moving out (as if lost) to be replaced by another, hence the concepts of alternation and succession.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 更迭 (kōtetsu)
Meaning: Change of personnel; reshuffle (especially in positions).
Example Sentence: 大臣の更迭が発表された。
(Daijin no kōtetsu ga happyō sareta.)
"A cabinet reshuffle was announced."
2. 迭立 (tetsuritsu) - Rare/Literary
Meaning: Alternation; taking turns.
Example Sentence: 二者が迭立して権力を握る。
(Nisha ga tetsuritsu shite kenryoku o nigeru.)
"The two parties alternate in holding power."
3. 送迭 (sōtetsu) - Rare
Meaning: Sending in turns; relay.
Example Sentence: 物資を送迭して供給する。
(Busshi o sōtetsu shite kyōkyū suru.)
"To supply materials by sending them in turns."
In summary, 迭 is a kanji that expresses the idea of replacement and rotation. Its most common and practical usage is in the word 更迭, which refers to personnel changes in organizational or political contexts. It captures the dynamic of one thing succeeding another.