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
曲がる
まがる (magaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まがる and 曲がる.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "曲がる" represents "to turn, to bend".