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
点ける
つける (tsukeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between つけます and 点ける.
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, 点ける (つける (tsukeru)) maps to "to turn on; to light; to switch on" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Commonly used for turning on lights. 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 "点ける"
部屋が暗いので、電気を点けてください。
The room is dark, so please turn on 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.". "点ける" represents "to turn on; to light; to switch on".