Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
翻す
ひるがえす (hirugaesu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
そっぽを向く
そっぽをむく (soppo o muku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 翻す and そっぽを向く.
In Japanese, 翻す (ひるがえす (hirugaesu)) is typically associated with "to turn over; to change; to reverse; to flap (a flag)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 物理的に物を裏返す、または意見、方針、決定などを急に、あるいは完全に変更することを指します。.
On the other hand, そっぽを向く (そっぽをむく (soppo o muku)) maps to "to turn away, to look the other way (indicating disinterest, displeasure, or refusal)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An idiom meaning to intentionally turn one's face away from someone or something, indicating avoidance, rejection, disinterest, or unwillingness to listen/participate.. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "翻す"
彼は自分の意見を簡単に翻した。
He easily changed his opinion.
Bilingual Context for "そっぽを向く"
質問されたのに、彼は答えたがらずにそっぽを向いた。
Even though he was asked, he didn't want to answer and turned his face away.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は自分の意見を簡単に翻した。" (Meaning: "He easily changed his opinion.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "翻す" fits here because it means "to turn over; to change; to reverse; to flap (a flag)" in the context of: "He easily changed his opinion.". "そっぽを向く" represents "to turn away, to look the other way (indicating disinterest, displeasure, or refusal)".