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.
ハンドルを一回転させてください。
Please turn the handle one full turn.
Means 'one lap' or 'one circuit', often used for going around a track or circular path.
トラックを一周走った。
I ran one lap around the track.
Refers to one winding or coiling, such as wrapping a rope once around something.
ロープを一巻きする。
Give the rope one turn around the post.
To express a single turn while moving, such as turning a corner or changing direction once.
Literally 'turn once', used for giving directions or describing a single turn.
次の交差点を一回曲がってください。
Please make one turn at the next intersection.
Means 'turn at the first corner', emphasizing the first turn in a sequence.
一つ目の角を右に曲がってください。
Take one turn right at the first corner.
To express having one chance or one go at something, often in games or sequential activities.
Means 'one turn' in the sense of a turn in a game or queue.
一人一回の番です。
Each person gets one turn.
Used in board games like shogi or Go to mean 'one move' or 'one turn'.
一手で形勢が変わった。
The situation changed in one turn.
Emphasizes 'only one time', often used when limiting attempts.
挑戦は一回だけです。
You only get one turn to try.
To express a single twist of something flexible, like a wire or a screw.
Means 'one twist', often used for a quick twisting motion.
針金を一ひねりする。
Give the wire one turn.
Literally 'twist once', a more explicit way to say 'one turn' for twisting.
ネジを一回ねじってください。
Please give the screw one turn.
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.