Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
振り向く
ふりむく (furimuku)
N2 / 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 振り向く and 翻す.
In Japanese, 振り向く (ふりむく (furimuku)) is typically associated with "to turn one's head, to look back; to give attention to, to care about" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 後ろや横にあるものを見るために首を回す動作です。また、過去の出来事を振り返る、あるいは他者の関心や支持を得るという意味合いもあります。/ The action of turning one's head to look at something behind or to the side. It can also imply reflecting on past events, or gaining others' interest or support..
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 "振り向く"
誰かに呼ばれた気がして、思わず後ろを振り向いた。
I felt like someone called me, so I instinctively turned around.
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: "誰かに呼ばれた気がして、思わず後ろを振り向いた。" (Meaning: "I felt like someone called me, so I instinctively turned around.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "振り向く" fits here because it means "to turn one's head, to look back; to give attention to, to care about" in the context of: "I felt like someone called me, so I instinctively turned around.". "翻す" represents "to turn over; to change; to reverse; to flap (a flag)".