Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
つける
つける (tsukeru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
曲がる
まがる (magaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between つける and 曲がる.
In Japanese, つける (つける (tsukeru)) is typically associated with "to turn on, to attach" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Often used for turning on electronic devices.
On the other hand, 曲がる (まがる (magaru)) maps to "to turn, to bend" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To change direction. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "つける"
テレビをつけます。
I turn on the TV.
Bilingual Context for "曲がる"
次の角を右に曲がってください。
Please turn right at the next corner.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "テレビをつけます。" (Meaning: "I turn on the TV.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "つける" fits here because it means "to turn on, to attach" in the context of: "I turn on the TV.". "曲がる" represents "to turn, to bend".