Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
まがる
まがる (magaru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
そっぽを向く
そっぽをむく (soppo o muku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まがる and そっぽを向く.
In Japanese, まがる (まがる (magaru)) is typically associated with "to turn, to bend" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for roads turning or objects bending. 「曲げる.
On the other hand, そっぽを向く (そっぽをむく (soppo o muku)) maps to "to turn away, to look the other way (indicating disinterest, displeasure, or refusal)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An idiom meaning to intentionally turn one's face away from someone or something, indicating avoidance, rejection, disinterest, or unwillingness to listen/participate.. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "まがる"
次の角を右に曲がってください。
Please turn right at the next corner.
Bilingual Context for "そっぽを向く"
質問されたのに、彼は答えたがらずにそっぽを向いた。
Even though he was asked, he didn't want to answer and turned his face away.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "次の角を右に曲がってください。" (Meaning: "Please turn right at the next corner.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "まがる" fits here because it means "to turn, to bend" in the context of: "Please turn right at the next corner.". "そっぽを向く" represents "to turn away, to look the other way (indicating disinterest, displeasure, or refusal)".