Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
消します
けします (keshimasu)
N5 / 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 消します and 回る.
In Japanese, 消します (けします (keshimasu)) is typically associated with "to turn off, to erase" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Used for switching off electrical appliances or erasing something.
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 "消します"
電灯を消します。
I turn off the light.
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: "電灯を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I turn off the light.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "消します" fits here because it means "to turn off, to erase" in the context of: "I turn off the light.". "回る" represents "to turn; to revolve; to go around".