Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
消す
けす (kesu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
好転
こうてん (kōten)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 消す and 好転.
In Japanese, 消す (けす (kesu)) is typically associated with "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A transitive verb meaning to turn something off, erase, or extinguish. It requires an object.
On the other hand, 好転 (こうてん (kōten)) maps to "turn for the better, improvement" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes a situation, condition, or trend changing from a negative or unfavorable state to a positive or favorable one. Commonly used for health, economy, weather, etc.. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "消す"
部屋を出るときは電気を消してください。
Please turn off the light when you leave the room.
Bilingual Context for "好転"
患者の病状は徐々に好転している。
The patient's condition is gradually improving.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "部屋を出るときは電気を消してください。" (Meaning: "Please turn off the light when you leave the room.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "消す" fits here because it means "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish (transitive)" in the context of: "Please turn off the light when you leave the room.". "好転" represents "turn for the better, improvement".