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
消します
けします (keshimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between つけます and 消します.
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, 消します (けします (keshimasu)) maps to "to turn off, to erase" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Used for switching off electrical appliances or erasing something. 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 "消します"
電灯を消します。
I turn off the light.
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.". "消します" represents "to turn off, to erase".