Translation guide
A guide to expressing the English phrase 'in turn' in Japanese, covering sequential actions, reciprocal relationships, and consequential meanings.
To describe people or things doing something one after another, or taking turns.
The most common way to say 'in turn' when people take turns doing something. It literally means 'in order' or 'by turns'.
The students answered the questions in turn.
Please introduce yourselves in turn.
Used when people alternate doing something, often in a more casual or spontaneous way. Implies taking turns without a strict order.
They took turns driving.
Means 'alternately' or 'in turn', often used for two things or people alternating. Slightly more formal.
The two sang songs in turn.
To express that one thing affects another, which in turn affects the first, or a chain of mutual influence.
Literally 'this time', used to indicate a turn of events or a reciprocal action. Often translates to 'in turn' when describing a sequence of reactions.
He helped me, so I helped him in turn.
Means 'conversely' or 'in return'. Can be used when an action is reciprocated, often with a sense of reversal.
Literally 'in return', often used for favors or gifts. Can be used for reciprocal actions but has a nuance of returning a favor.
To indicate that one event leads to another, often in a chain of cause and effect.
Literally 'that', used to refer back to a previous statement and introduce a consequence. Often translates to 'which in turn' or 'and that'.
He got promoted, which in turn boosted his confidence.
Means 'as a result'. More formal and explicit about cause and effect.
Means 'by that' or 'thereby', indicating that something is caused by the previous action. Often used in written or formal contexts.
Do not translate 'in turn' word-for-word as 「ターンで」 or similar. It will not be understood. Use the patterns above depending on the intended meaning.
順番に is the most general for taking turns in a set order. 代わる代わる implies a more casual, back-and-forth alternation. 交互に is often used for two parties alternating in a more formal or systematic way.
She was kind to me, so I was kind to her in turn.
In turn for his help, I treated him to dinner.
Demand increased, and in turn prices rose.
A new policy was introduced, which in turn improved the economy.