Translation guide
The English phrase "turn over" has several distinct meanings. This guide organizes them by practical use: physically flipping or rotating an object, handing something to someone, starting an engine, transferring rights, and more. Each meaning is matched with natural Japanese expressions.
To turn something so the other side is up, or to rotate it.
The most common and versatile verb for flipping something over, like a pancake, a card, or a piece of paper.
パンケーキをひっくり返してください。
Please flip the pancake over.
カードをひっくり返して、数字を見せて。
Turn the card over and show the number.
Specifically means to turn something inside out or to flip it to the reverse side. Often used for clothes, paper, or objects with a clear front and back.
紙を裏返して、裏にも書いてください。
Turn the paper over and write on the back too.
シャツを裏返して洗濯してください。
Turn the shirt inside out and wash it.
Means to turn or rotate something, not necessarily flipping it over. Used for dials, steering wheels, or rotating objects.
ハンドルを右に回してください。
Turn the steering wheel to the right.
つまみを回して音量を調節する。
Turn the knob to adjust the volume.
Means to roll something over, like a log or a barrel. Implies a rolling motion rather than a simple flip.
丸太を転がして移動させる。
Roll the log over to move it.
To give something to someone, often formally or after being asked.
The standard verb for handing something over to someone. Can be used in both casual and formal situations.
書類を受付に渡してください。
Please hand the documents over to the receptionist.
彼に鍵を渡した。
I handed the keys over to him.
Used for formally handing over a person (e.g., a suspect) or something under legal or official circumstances.
Means to transfer ownership or rights, or to concede something to someone. Often used for property, seats, or turns.
To entrust or leave something to someone else's care. Implies handing over responsibility.
To cause an engine to begin running, usually by turning a key or pressing a button.
The standard phrase for starting an engine. Literally 'apply the engine'.
車のエンジンをかけてください。
Please turn the car engine over.
Intransitive version: the engine starts. Used when the engine turns over successfully.
やっとエンジンがかかった。
The engine finally turned over.
To think about something carefully, consider from different angles.
The most straightforward way to say 'think carefully'. Not a direct translation but natural.
その問題をよく考えてみます。
I'll turn the problem over in my mind.
Literally 'repeat in one's head', implying turning thoughts over and over.
彼の言葉を頭の中で繰り返した。
I turned his words over in my mind.
Formal verb meaning to deliberate or ponder deeply.
その提案を熟考した。
I turned the proposal over carefully.
To start behaving in a better way, reform oneself.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to change one's attitude or mend one's ways.
彼は心を入れ替えて、真面目に働き始めた。
He turned over a new leaf and started working seriously.
The amount of business done in a period, or the rate at which goods are sold.
Standard business term for sales turnover or revenue.
今月の売上高は先月より多い。
This month's turnover is higher than last month's.
Refers to turnover rate, such as inventory turnover or employee turnover.
In sports, to lose the ball or puck to the opposing team.
Loanword from English, commonly used in basketball, rugby, etc.
彼はパスミスでターンオーバーした。
He turned the ball over with a bad pass.
General phrase meaning 'to have the ball taken away'.
相手にボールを奪われた。
We turned the ball over to the opponent.
ひっくり返す is a general flip, while 裏返す specifically means turning to the reverse side or inside out. Use 裏返す for clothes or paper with a clear front/back.
コインをひっくり返す。
Flip a coin.
靴下を裏返す。
Turn a sock inside out.
Do not translate 'turn over' literally as 回す in all contexts. 回す means rotate, not flip or hand over. Use the appropriate verb for the specific meaning.
容疑者は警察に引き渡された。
The suspect was turned over to the police.
He turned the company over to his son.
席を譲ってください。
Please give up your seat.
この仕事は彼に任せよう。
Let's turn this job over to him.
Literally 'to be reborn', used figuratively for a complete change in character or life.
彼女は生まれ変わったように優しくなった。
She turned over a new leaf and became kind.
在庫の回転率を上げる必要がある。
We need to increase inventory turnover.