Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "つける", "けす", "消す", "回る"
All represent the core concept "turn", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
つける
つける (tsukeru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
けす
けす (kesu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
消す
けす (kesu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
回る
まわる (mawaru)
N4 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "turn" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "つける", "けす", "消す", "回る" based on context.
- つける (つける (tsukeru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to turn on, to attach" and is used when Transitive verb. Often used for turning on electronic devices.
- けす (けす (kesu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish" and is used when Transitive verb. The opposite of つける.
- 消す (けす (kesu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish (transitive)" and is used when A transitive verb meaning to turn something off, erase, or extinguish. It requires an object.
- 回る (まわる (mawaru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to turn; to revolve; to go around" and is used when An intransitive verb. It describes something spinning on its own axis.
Context for "つける"
テレビをつけます。
I turn on the TV.
Context for "けす"
電気を消してください。
Please turn off the light.
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.
Context for "回る"
地球は太陽の周りを回っています。
The Earth revolves around the sun.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "テレビをつけます。" (Meaning: "I turn on the TV.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "つける" is correct here because it represents "to turn on, to attach" in the context: "I turn on the TV.".