Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
そっぽを向く
そっぽをむく (soppo o muku)
N2 / 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 そっぽを向く and 目を向ける.
In Japanese, そっぽを向く (そっぽをむく (soppo o muku)) is typically associated with "to turn away, to look the other way (indicating disinterest, displeasure, or refusal)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An idiom meaning to intentionally turn one's face away from someone or something, indicating avoidance, rejection, disinterest, or unwillingness to listen/participate..
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 "そっぽを向く"
質問されたのに、彼は答えたがらずにそっぽを向いた。
Even though he was asked, he didn't want to answer and turned his face away.
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: "質問されたのに、彼は答えたがらずにそっぽを向いた。" (Meaning: "Even though he was asked, he didn't want to answer and turned his face away.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "そっぽを向く" fits here because it means "to turn away, to look the other way (indicating disinterest, displeasure, or refusal)" in the context of: "Even though he was asked, he didn't want to answer and turned his face away.". "目を向ける" represents "to turn one's eyes to, to pay attention to, to focus on, to consider".