Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
けす
けす (kesu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
目を向ける
めをむける (me wo mukeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between けす and 目を向ける.
In Japanese, けす (けす (kesu)) is typically associated with "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. The opposite of つける.
On the other hand, 目を向ける (めをむける (me wo mukeru)) maps to "to turn one's eyes to, to pay attention to, to focus on, to consider" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An idiomatic expression meaning to direct one's attention, interest, or concern towards something or someone, often something that was previously overlooked or neglected. Implies active consideration.. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "けす"
電気を消してください。
Please turn off the light.
Bilingual Context for "目を向ける"
私たちはもっと社会の弱い立場の人々に目を向けるべきだ。
We should pay more attention to people in vulnerable positions in society.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "電気を消してください。" (Meaning: "Please turn off the light.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "けす" fits here because it means "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish" in the context of: "Please turn off the light.". "目を向ける" represents "to turn one's eyes to, to pay attention to, to focus on, to consider".