Translation guide
The English term 'about-face' can refer to a physical 180-degree turn or a complete reversal of opinion, policy, or behavior. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both literal and figurative uses.
To physically turn around to face the opposite direction, often in a military or formal context.
A military-style command meaning 'about-face' or 'turn around'. Used in drills or formal settings.
To completely change one's stance, decision, or attitude to the opposite.
Idiom meaning to flip-flop or do a complete about-face, often with a negative connotation of inconsistency or opportunism.
彼は昨日の主張を手のひらを返したように変えた。
He did a complete about-face on his argument from yesterday.
For physical turns, use 回れ右 (military/formal) or 向きを変える (general). For figurative reversals, 手のひらを返す is common in speech, while 態度を一変させる or 方針を転換する are better for formal writing.
Do not translate 'about-face' literally as 顔について (about the face). The Japanese expressions are idiomatic and context-dependent.
リモートワークに関する会社の方針転換に皆が驚いた。
The company's about-face on remote work surprised everyone.
彼は手のひらを返したように謝罪した。
He did an about-face and apologized.
教官が「回れ右」と号令をかけた。
The instructor gave the command 'about-face'.
Describes turning around quickly and smoothly. More descriptive and less formal than 回れ右.
彼はくるりと向きを変えて歩き出した。
He did an about-face and walked away.
Literally 'change direction 180 degrees'. A clear, neutral way to describe a physical about-face.
車が180度向きを変えてUターンした。
The car did an about-face and made a U-turn.
Means 'to completely change one's attitude'. Suitable for formal and written contexts.
政府はその問題について態度を一変させた。
The government did an about-face on the issue.
Literally 'change policy 180 degrees'. A direct, clear expression for a policy reversal.
会社は経営方針を180度転換した。
The company did an about-face on its management policy.
Means to retract or reverse a previous statement. Often used when someone goes back on their word.
大臣は前言を翻して増税を認めた。
The minister did an about-face and admitted the tax increase.
Literally 'change sides' or 'betray'. Used when someone switches allegiance or does a political about-face, often with a negative nuance.
彼は敵側に寝返った。
He did an about-face and went over to the enemy.