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
翻す
ひるがえす (hirugaesu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 向ける and 翻す.
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, 翻す (ひるがえす (hirugaesu)) maps to "to turn over; to change; to reverse; to flap (a flag)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 物理的に物を裏返す、または意見、方針、決定などを急に、あるいは完全に変更することを指します。. 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 "翻す"
彼は自分の意見を簡単に翻した。
He easily changed his opinion.
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.". "翻す" represents "to turn over; to change; to reverse; to flap (a flag)".