Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
そらす
そらす (sorasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
好転
こうてん (kōten)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between そらす and 好転.
In Japanese, そらす (そらす (sorasu)) is typically associated with "to turn away (one's eyes, gaze, attention); to avert; to evade (a question)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A transitive verb implying a deliberate action to change the direction of something, most commonly one's gaze.
On the other hand, 好転 (こうてん (kōten)) maps to "turn for the better, improvement" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes a situation, condition, or trend changing from a negative or unfavorable state to a positive or favorable one. Commonly used for health, economy, weather, etc.. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "そらす"
彼は私から目をそらしたが、何も言わなかった。
He averted his eyes from me, but said nothing.
Bilingual Context for "好転"
患者の病状は徐々に好転している。
The patient's condition is gradually improving.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は私から目をそらしたが、何も言わなかった。" (Meaning: "He averted his eyes from me, but said nothing.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "そらす" fits here because it means "to turn away (one's eyes, gaze, attention); to avert; to evade (a question)" in the context of: "He averted his eyes from me, but said nothing.". "好転" represents "turn for the better, improvement".