Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
好転
こうてん (kōten)
N1 / 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 好転 and 足を洗う.
In Japanese, 好転 (こうてん (kōten)) is typically associated with "turn for the better, improvement" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes a situation, condition, or trend changing from a negative or unfavorable state to a positive or favorable one. Commonly used for health, economy, weather, etc..
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 "好転"
患者の病状は徐々に好転している。
The patient's condition is gradually improving.
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: "患者の病状は徐々に ＿＿＿ している。" (Meaning: "The patient's condition is gradually improving.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "好転" fits here because it means "turn for the better, improvement" in the context of: "The patient's condition is gradually improving.". "足を洗う" represents "to turn over a new leaf".