Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
つけます
つけます (tsukemasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
回る
まわる (mawaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between つけます and 回る.
In Japanese, つけます (つけます (tsukemasu)) is typically associated with "to turn on (a light, power, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Used for switching on electrical appliances, lights, etc. The object is marked with を..
On the other hand, 回る (まわる (mawaru)) maps to "to turn; to revolve; to go around" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb. It describes something spinning on its own axis. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "つけます"
テレビをつけます。
I turn on the TV.
Bilingual Context for "回る"
地球は太陽の周りを回っています。
The Earth revolves around the sun.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "テレビを ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I turn on the TV.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "つけます" fits here because it means "to turn on (a light, power, etc.)" in the context of: "I turn on the TV.". "回る" represents "to turn; to revolve; to go around".