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
裏返す
うらがえす (uragaesu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 曲がる and 裏返す.
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, 裏返す (うらがえす (uragaesu)) maps to "to turn inside out, to turn over" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used for objects with a front/back or inside/outside, such as clothes, cards, or pages.. 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 "裏返す"
シャツを裏返して洗濯機に入れた。
I turned my shirt inside out and put it in the washing machine.
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.". "裏返す" represents "to turn inside out, to turn over".