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
振り向く
ふりむく (furimuku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まがる and 振り向く.
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, 振り向く (ふりむく (furimuku)) maps to "to turn one's head, to look back; to give attention to, to care about" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 後ろや横にあるものを見るために首を回す動作です。また、過去の出来事を振り返る、あるいは他者の関心や支持を得るという意味合いもあります。/ The action of turning one's head to look at something behind or to the side. It can also imply reflecting on past events, or gaining others' interest or support.. 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 "振り向く"
誰かに呼ばれた気がして、思わず後ろを振り向いた。
I felt like someone called me, so I instinctively turned around.
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.". "振り向く" represents "to turn one's head, to look back; to give attention to, to care about".