Translation guide
How to express the action or process of turning in Japanese, covering physical rotation, changing direction, and figurative shifts.
To physically turn something around an axis or pivot, like a knob, a wheel, or one's head.
Transitive verb meaning to turn or rotate something. Used for turning a handle, steering wheel, knob, etc.
Please turn the steering wheel to the right.
He turned the doorknob.
To twist or turn with a twisting motion, often used for smaller objects like a faucet, cap, or a person's arm.
I turned the faucet and let the water run.
He twisted my arm.
To cause to rotate, more formal or technical. Often used for machinery or abstract rotation.
The motor turns the fan.
To turn left, right, or around while walking, driving, or moving.
Intransitive verb meaning to turn or bend. Used for roads, paths, or a person turning a corner.
Please turn right at the next intersection.
The road turns sharply to the left.
Transitive verb meaning to bend or turn something. Used when you actively change the direction of something, like a car or a hose.
To change direction, a more formal or deliberate phrase. Used for vehicles, plans, or strategies.
The ship turned sharply.
To rotate your own body or head to face a different direction.
To turn one's head or body to look back or to the side, often in response to something.
She turned around when her name was called.
To turn around and look back, often over one's shoulder. Can also be used figuratively for reflecting on the past.
To change the direction one is facing. A more general phrase.
He turned his body.
To turn the page of a book, or to flip an object to its other side.
To change or transform into a different state or thing.
The most common way to express 'turning into' or 'becoming' something. Attach to a noun or na-adjective.
To change into something, emphasizing the transformation. Often used for sudden or magical changes.
The frog turned into a prince.
To reach a specific age.
The standard way to say 'turn (age)'. Literally 'become X years old'.
I'll be turning 20 next month.
To switch a device on or off. Note: 'turning on/off' is usually expressed with specific verbs, not a general 'turn' verb.
A turning point in life, a story, or a situation.
In English, we 'turn on' a light or TV, but in Japanese, you must use つける (turn on) or 消す (turn off). Using 回す would mean physically rotating the device.
turn on the air conditioner
回す is for continuous rotation (steering wheel, dial), while ひねる implies a twisting motion with limited range (faucet, wrist). ひねる often involves applying force to twist something.
The road turns left ahead.
She turned the key in the lock.
He turned 30 yesterday.
He turned the car to the left.
He turned and looked back.
Please turn the pancake over.
Turn off the TV.
I'm at a turning point in my life.