Translation guide
The English word "turn" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: changing direction, rotating, taking a turn in a sequence, becoming something, and more. Each meaning is matched with natural Japanese expressions.
To change the direction you are moving, like turning left or turning a corner.
The most common verb for turning while walking, driving, or cycling. Intransitive.
Please turn right at the next corner.
That car turned suddenly.
Transitive version of 曲がる. Used when you turn something, like a steering wheel.
Turn the steering wheel to the left.
Formal or technical term for changing direction, like a U-turn or course change.
The ship made a sudden turn.
To move around a central point, like turning a key or a wheel spinning.
When it's your opportunity to do something in a game or activity.
Noun meaning 'one's turn'. Often used with 〜の番 or 順番.
It's your turn next.
Please wait for your turn.
Means 'taking turns' or 'in shifts'. Used when people alternate doing something.
We took turns driving.
To do something in order or take turns.
Please introduce yourselves in turn.
To change into a different state, like turning red or turning into a frog.
To move to the next page, or to operate a switch.
To direct your focus or conversation to a new topic.
To reach a specific age, like turning 20.
Used with age. 〜歳になる means 'to turn (age)'.
I will turn 20 next month.
To reverse the orientation of an object.
English 'turn' is used in many idiomatic ways that don't directly translate to 曲がる or 回す. For example, 'turn on the light' is 電気をつける, not 電気を回す. Always check the specific meaning.
曲がる is for changing direction along a path (turning a corner). 回る is for rotating around an axis (a wheel turning). Don't confuse them.
Turn left at the next intersection.
It's your turn to speak.
The leaves are turning red.
The windmill is turning in the wind.
The Earth turns on its axis.
To turn something over, like flipping a pancake or a page.
Please turn the pancake over.
The weather turned suddenly.
His face turned pale. (His complexion changed.)
The fox turned into a beautiful woman.
Please turn on the light.
Please turn off the TV.
To turn something upside down or flip it over.
I turned the box upside down and emptied it.