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
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 消す and 裏返す.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "裏返す" represents "to turn inside out, to turn over".