Translation guide
The English phrase "turn out" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: producing an unexpected result, attending an event, producing or manufacturing something, emptying or cleaning something, and switching off a light. Each meaning is explained with natural Japanese expressions.
To happen in a particular way, or to have a particular result, especially an unexpected one.
Used to express that something turns out a certain way, often implying circumstances led to that result. Attach to the plain form of a verb or adjective.
It turned out that he wouldn't come after all.
The plan turned out to be cancelled.
Means 'it turns out that...' or 'it becomes clear that...'. Used when new information is discovered. Attach to a clause ending in plain form.
It turned out that he was the culprit.
That story turned out to be a lie.
An adverb meaning 'in the end' or 'after all'. Often used with verbs like なる or ～する to describe how things turned out.
In the end, nobody turned up.
It turned out that he didn't agree.
Used when you try something and it turns out a certain way. Literally 'when I tried doing...'. Attach to the te-form of a verb.
When I tried it, it turned out to be surprisingly easy.
A formal verb meaning 'to become clear' or 'to be found out'. Used in news or official contexts.
It turned out that the cause of the accident was the driver falling asleep at the wheel.
To come to an event, meeting, or gathering.
General verb for 'to participate' or 'to attend'. Works for events, meetings, classes, etc.
Many people turned out for the event.
Few people turned out for the meeting.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to gather' or 'to assemble'. Emphasizes the crowd rather than individual attendance.
A casual phrase meaning 'to show one's face' or 'to make an appearance'. Used for informal gatherings.
Formal verb for 'to attend', used for official meetings, classes, or ceremonies.
He didn't turn out for the meeting.
To make or produce something, especially in large quantities.
Standard verb for 'to produce' or 'to manufacture'. Used for goods, products, etc.
The factory turns out thousands of cars every day.
Means 'to produce' or 'to churn out', often with a nuance of creativity or effort.
Formal term for 'to manufacture', used in industrial contexts.
This company turns out electronic components.
To empty the contents of something, especially for cleaning or organizing.
To extinguish a light or lamp.
General verb for 'to turn off' or 'to extinguish'. Used for lights, fires, appliances.
Please turn out the light when you leave the room.
The English phrasal verb "turn out" cannot be directly translated into Japanese as a single word. Always choose the expression that matches the intended meaning. Using 回る (turn) + 外 (out) would be nonsensical.
～ことになる indicates a decided or resulting state, often due to external factors. ～ようになる indicates a change in ability or habit over time. For "turn out" in the sense of result, ～ことになる is usually correct.
It turned out that I will marry him. (circumstances led to this)
I became able to speak Japanese. (change in ability)
コンサートには大勢の人が集まった。
A large crowd turned out for the concert.
パーティーにちょっと顔を出した。
I turned out at the party for a bit.
He turned out new works one after another.
I turned out my bag and searched.