Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Turn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
裏返す
うらがえす (uragaesu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
目を向ける
めをむける (me wo mukeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "turn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 裏返す and 目を向ける.
In Japanese, 裏返す (うらがえす (uragaesu)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 目を向ける (めをむける (me wo mukeru)) maps to "to turn one's eyes to, to pay attention to, to focus on, to consider" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An idiomatic expression meaning to direct one's attention, interest, or concern towards something or someone, often something that was previously overlooked or neglected. Implies active consideration.. A literal translation of "turn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "目を向ける"
私たちはもっと社会の弱い立場の人々に目を向けるべきだ。
We should pay more attention to people in vulnerable positions in society.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "シャツを裏返して洗濯機に入れた。" (Meaning: "I turned my shirt inside out and put it in the washing machine.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "裏返す" fits here because it means "to turn inside out, to turn over" in the context of: "I turned my shirt inside out and put it in the washing machine.". "目を向ける" represents "to turn one's eyes to, to pay attention to, to focus on, to consider".