turn - Meaning, Usage, and Translations Across 30 Languages

The Word “Turn”: Meaning, Usage, and Translations Across 30 Languages

The word “turn” is one of the most common and versatile terms in the English language. It can function as a noun, verb, or even an adjective depending on the context. “Turn” can refer to physical movement, changes in direction, changes in state, or even abstract concepts like a change of events or decisions.

In this article, we will explore the multiple meanings of “turn”, its usage in different contexts, and provide translations of the word into 30 different languages, highlighting how it is understood in various linguistic and cultural settings.

Meaning of “Turn” in Different Contexts

1. To Move or Rotate (Verb)

The most straightforward meaning of “turn” refers to rotating or changing direction. It can be applied to both people and objects.

Example: “Please turn the page.”
(Here, “turn” refers to rotating the page to the other side.)

2. A Change in Direction (Noun)

As a noun, “turn” can describe a change in direction or position, such as when driving or walking.

Example: “Make a left turn at the next intersection.”
(In this case, “turn” refers to changing direction while driving.)

3. A Change in State (Verb)

“Turn” can also refer to a change in condition, appearance, or situation.

Example: “The weather turned cold after the storm.”
(Here, “turn” indicates a change in the weather from warm to cold.)

4. To Become or Evolve (Verb)

“Turn” can also describe the process of something or someone becoming something else over time or as a result of external factors.

Example: “She turned into a great leader.”
(In this context, “turn” refers to a transformation or evolution in someone’s personality or role.)

5. A Sequence or Opportunity (Noun)

“Turn” can refer to an opportunity or moment when it is one’s responsibility or chance to do something in a sequence, such as in a game or conversation.

Example: “It’s your turn to speak.”
(Here, “turn” refers to the opportunity to speak in a discussion.)

6. To Perform an Action or Make a Decision (Verb)

“Turn” can also describe the act of performing a particular action or making a decision in response to something.

Example: “He turned down the job offer.”
(In this case, “turn” refers to the act of rejecting the offer.)

7. To Change or Alter (Verb)

Another meaning of “turn” is to change something into another form or state, often with the use of physical force or effort.

Example: “She turned the raw ingredients into a delicious dish.”
(Here, “turn” means to transform or change the ingredients into something else.)

8. A Twist or Winding Path (Noun)

In certain contexts, “turn” refers to a curve or winding path.

Example: “The road had many sharp turns.”
(In this case, “turn” refers to a change in direction on a winding road.)

Translations of the Word “Turn” in 30 Languages

Below is a table showing how the word “turn” is translated into 30 different languages, along with example sentences in each language.

Language	Translation	Example Sentence (in the target language)	English Translation of Example
English	Turn	“Please turn the page.”	(Please turn the page.)
Spanish	Girar	“Por favor, gira la página.”	(Please turn the page.)
French	Tourner	“Veuillez tourner la page.”	(Please turn the page.)
German	Drehen	“Bitte drehe die Seite um.”	(Please turn the page.)
Italian	Girare	“Per favore, gira la pagina.”	(Please turn the page.)
Portuguese	Virar	“Por favor, vire a página.”	(Please turn the page.)
Russian	Повернуть (Povernut’)	“Пожалуйста, переверни страницу.”	(Please turn the page.)
Chinese (Simplified)	转 (Zhuǎn)	“请翻到下一页。”	(Please turn the page.)
Japanese	回す (Mawasu)	“ページをめくってください。”	(Please turn the page.)
Korean	돌리다 (Dollida)	“페이지를 넘겨 주세요.”	(Please turn the page.)
Hindi	मोड़ना (Modna)	“कृपया पृष्ठ पलटें।”	(Please turn the page.)
Bengali	ঘুরানো (Ghurāno)	“দয়া করে পৃষ্ঠা ঘুরিয়ে দিন।”	(Please turn the page.)
Urdu	مڑنا (Mudna)	“براہ کرم صفحہ پلٹیں۔”	(Please turn the page.)
Turkish	Dönmek	“Lütfen sayfayı çevirin.”	(Please turn the page.)
Dutch	Draaien	“Draai de pagina alstublieft.”	(Please turn the page.)
Greek	Γυρίζω (Gyrízō)	“Παρακαλώ γύρισε τη σελίδα.”	(Please turn the page.)
Swedish	Vända	“Vänligen vänd på sidan.”	(Please turn the page.)
Danish	Dreje	“Venligst drej siden.”	(Please turn the page.)
Finnish	Kääntää	“Käännä sivu, kiitos.”	(Please turn the page.)
Norwegian	Vende	“Vennligst vend siden.”	(Please turn the page.)
Polish	Obrócić	“Proszę obrócić stronę.”	(Please turn the page.)
Czech	Otočit	“Prosím otočte stránku.”	(Please turn the page.)
Hungarian	Fordítani	“Kérem, fordítsa meg az oldalt.”	(Please turn the page.)
Hebrew	להפוך (Lafokh)	“בבקשה תהפוך את הדף.”	(Please turn the page.)
Thai	พลิก (Phlik)	“โปรดพลิกหน้า.”	(Please turn the page.)
Vietnamese	Lật	“Vui lòng lật trang.”	(Please turn the page.)
Indonesian	Putar	“Tolong balikkan halaman.”	(Please turn the page.)
Filipino	I-ikot	“Pakibalik ang pahina.”	(Please turn the page.)
Malay	Putar	“Tolong balikkan halaman.”	(Please turn the page.)
Swahili	Geuza	“Tafadhali geuza ukurasa.”	(Please turn the page.)
Arabic	قلب (Qalb)	“من فضلك، قلب الصفحة.”	(Please turn the page.)

The word “turn” is a highly flexible and widely used term in the English language. Whether referring to physical movement, changes in direction, or alterations in state, “turn” can be applied in countless contexts. Its ability to take on different meanings—ranging from literal physical actions to metaphorical transformations—makes it a crucial part of everyday communication.

By exploring “turn” and its translations into 30 different languages, we see how this concept transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. From describing the simple act of rotating an object to expressing more abstract ideas like a change in one’s life or situation, “turn” plays an essential role in both casual and formal communication.