Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
回る
まわる (mawaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
向ける
むける (mukeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 回る and 向ける.
In Japanese, 回る (まわる (mawaru)) is typically associated with "to turn; to revolve; to go around" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb. It describes something spinning on its own axis.
On the other hand, 向ける (むける (mukeru)) maps to "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!』. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "回る"
地球は太陽の周りを回っています。
The Earth revolves around the sun.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "地球は太陽の周りを回っています。" (Meaning: "The Earth revolves around the sun.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "回る" fits here because it means "to turn; to revolve; to go around" in the context of: "The Earth revolves around the sun.". "向ける" represents "to turn (something) toward; to point at; to direct".