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.
Please flip the pancake over.
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.
Turn the paper over and write on the back too.
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.
Turn the steering wheel to the right.
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.
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.
Please hand the documents over to the receptionist.
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.
To think about something carefully, consider from different angles.
The most straightforward way to say 'think carefully'. Not a direct translation but natural.
I'll turn the problem over in my mind.
Literally 'repeat in one's head', implying turning thoughts over and over.
Formal verb meaning to deliberate or ponder deeply.
I turned the proposal over carefully.
To start behaving in a better way, reform oneself.
The amount of business done in a period, or the rate at which goods are sold.
In sports, to lose the ball or puck to the opposing team.
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.
Flip a coin.
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.
The suspect was turned over to the police.
He turned the company over to his son.
Please give up your seat.
この仕事は彼に任せよう。
Let's turn this job over to him.
I turned his words over in my mind.
Literally 'to be reborn', used figuratively for a complete change in character or life.
She turned over a new leaf and became kind.
We need to increase inventory turnover.