Translation guide
This English phrase has two main meanings: (1) a device or light being switched on, and (2) a person becoming sexually aroused. The Japanese expressions differ significantly between these meanings.
Expressing that a machine, light, or electronic device is activated or powered on.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to come on' or 'to be turned on' for lights, fire, or electrical devices. Focuses on the state change.
電気がついた。
The light turned on.
The TV won't turn on.
Formal or technical term for a light turning on. Often used in written instructions or announcements.
The emergency light will turn on automatically.
Literally 'the power enters', meaning the device powers on. Common for computers and electronics.
The computer won't turn on.
Loanword 'on' used as a noun plus 'ni naru'. Casual and often used for switches or indicators.
The switch turned on.
Describing a state of sexual excitement or arousal.
General term for becoming excited, including sexual arousal. Can be used in various contexts.
He got turned on by that photo.
Slangy onomatopoeic expression for feeling horny or aroused. Very casual.
Hearing her voice turned me on.
Explicitly 'sexually excited'. More formal or clinical.
Euphemistic way to say 'feel aroused', often used by women. Context-dependent.
Using つく for a person will not convey sexual arousal; it means 'to stick' or 'to be attached'. Using 興奮する for a light is unnatural.
English 'be turned on' is passive/intransitive. In Japanese, use intransitive verbs like つく (light comes on) or 電源が入る (power enters). The transitive forms (つける, 電源を入れる) mean 'to turn on (something)'.
It's natural to be turned on sexually.
彼に触られて感じちゃった。
I got turned on when he touched me.