Translation guide
The English phrase "one turn" can refer to a single rotation, a change in direction, a twist, or a single opportunity in a sequence. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
To express a single 360-degree rotation or a single twist of something.
The most direct way to say 'one rotation' or 'one turn'. Used for physical rotations.
Please turn the handle one full turn.
Means 'one lap' or 'one circuit', often used for going around a track or circular path.
I ran one lap around the track.
Refers to one winding or coiling, such as wrapping a rope once around something.
Give the rope one turn around the post.
To express a single turn while moving, such as turning a corner or changing direction once.
To express having one chance or one go at something, often in games or sequential activities.
To express a single twist of something flexible, like a wire or a screw.
The English phrase "one turn" does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. The translation depends heavily on context: rotation, change of direction, opportunity, or twist. Using 一回転 for a turn in a game would sound unnatural.
一回転 (ikkaiten) focuses on the act of rotating around an axis, while 一周 (isshū) emphasizes completing a circuit or lap around something. Use 一回転 for spinning an object, and 一周 for going around a track.
Take one turn right at the first corner.
The situation changed in one turn.