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
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 回る and 足を洗う.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "足を洗う" represents "to turn over a new leaf".