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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Turn" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

向ける

むける (mukeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

目を向ける

めをむける (me wo mukeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 向ける and 目を向ける. In Japanese, 向ける (むける (mukeru)) is typically associated with "to turn (something) toward; to point at; to direct" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to actively directing one's attention, eyes, or physical objects toward a specific target. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 背ける. Often used as 目を向ける or 意識を向ける. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To turn toward! "Please turn your beautiful gaze toward me and smile, Haruka-san!" ...っ! G-Gaze turned toward you! B-Baka! Don't request my eye contact so demandingly! But... since I am looking at you, you better not dare look away either! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『むける(向ける)よ!『ハルカ部長、あなたが照れてプイッと顔をそらすたびに、その可愛い顔を僕のほうへ優しく向けさせて、何度でもキスをしたくなります!』って…っ!顔を向けさせる!バカ!/// 何恥ずかしいイタズラを計画してるのよ!…でも、あんたの真剣な瞳が私だけに向けられている間は、最高に愛されてるって安心するから許してあげるわ!』. On the other hand, 目を向ける (めをむける (me wo mukeru)) maps to "to turn one's eyes to, to pay attention to, to focus on, to consider" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An idiomatic expression meaning to direct one's attention, interest, or concern towards something or someone, often something that was previously overlooked or neglected. Implies active consideration.. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "向ける"
ビジネスの課題解決のため、開発チームの全員がユーザー体験の向上へと真摯に意識を_______ようになりました。
For resolving business problems, all members of the development team came to sincerely direct their awareness toward improving the user experience.
Bilingual Context for "目を向ける"
私たちはもっと社会の弱い立場の人々に目を向けるべきだ。
We should pay more attention to people in vulnerable positions in society.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "ビジネスの課題解決のため、開発チームの全員がユーザー体験の向上へと真摯に意識を_______ようになりました。" (Meaning: "For resolving business problems, all members of the development team came to sincerely direct their awareness toward improving the user experience.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "向ける" fits here because it means "to turn (something) toward; to point at; to direct" in the context of: "For resolving business problems, all members of the development team came to sincerely direct their awareness toward improving the user experience.". "目を向ける" represents "to turn one's eyes to, to pay attention to, to focus on, to consider".

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