Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
曲がる
まがる (magaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
回る
まわる (mawaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 曲がる and 回る.
In Japanese, 曲がる (まがる (magaru)) is typically associated with "to turn, to bend" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To change direction.
On the other hand, 回る (まわる (mawaru)) maps to "to turn; to revolve; to go around" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb. It describes something spinning on its own axis. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "曲がる"
次の角を右に曲がってください。
Please turn right at the next corner.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "次の角を右に曲がってください。" (Meaning: "Please turn right at the next corner.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "曲がる" fits here because it means "to turn, to bend" in the context of: "Please turn right at the next corner.". "回る" represents "to turn; to revolve; to go around".