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
そらす
そらす (sorasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 翻す and そらす.
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, そらす (そらす (sorasu)) maps to "to turn away (one's eyes, gaze, attention); to avert; to evade (a question)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A transitive verb implying a deliberate action to change the direction of something, most commonly one's gaze. 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 "そらす"
彼は私から目をそらしたが、何も言わなかった。
He averted his eyes from me, but said nothing.
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.". "そらす" represents "to turn away (one's eyes, gaze, attention); to avert; to evade (a question)".