🦅 Project Eagle
Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Turn" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "turn", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

転じる

てんじる (tenjiru)
N2 / 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 転じる and 目を向ける. In Japanese, 転じる (てんじる (tenjiru)) is typically associated with "to turn, to change, to shift, to move to" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies a change in direction, situation, job, or topic. Can be transitive. 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 "転じる"
彼女はキャリアをIT業界に転じた。
She shifted her career to the IT industry.
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: "彼女はキャリアをIT業界に転じた。" (Meaning: "She shifted her career to the IT industry.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "転じる" fits here because it means "to turn, to change, to shift, to move to" in the context of: "She shifted her career to the IT industry.". "目を向ける" represents "to turn one's eyes to, to pay attention to, to focus on, to consider".

💡 Practice with AI! Live

Don't just read. Practice speaking this grammar with our interactive AI coach for free!

Try AI Speaking 👉