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
足を洗う
あしをあらう (ashiwo arau)
B2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 向ける and 足を洗う.
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, 足を洗う (あしをあらう (ashiwo arau)) maps to "to turn over a new leaf" (Syllabus Level: B2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "足を洗う"
毎日、日本語を練習するために足を洗う。
Every day, I turn over a new leaf to practice Japanese.
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.". "足を洗う" represents "to turn over a new leaf".