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
点ける
つける (tsukeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 消します and 点ける.
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, 点ける (つける (tsukeru)) maps to "to turn on; to light; to switch on" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Commonly used for turning on lights. 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 "点ける"
部屋が暗いので、電気を点けてください。
The room is dark, so please turn on the light.
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.". "点ける" represents "to turn on; to light; to switch on".