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
足を洗う
あしをあらう (ashiwo arau)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between つけます and 足を洗う.
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, 足を洗う (あしをあらう (ashiwo arau)) maps to "to turn over a new leaf" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "足を洗う"
毎日、日本語を練習するために足を洗う。
Every day, I turn over a new leaf to practice Japanese.
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.". "足を洗う" represents "to turn over a new leaf".