Translation guide
The English phrase "turn out" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: producing an unexpected result, attending an event, producing or manufacturing something, emptying or cleaning something, and switching off a light. Each meaning is explained with natural Japanese expressions.
To happen in a particular way, or to have a particular result, especially an unexpected one.
Used to express that something turns out a certain way, often implying circumstances led to that result. Attach to the plain form of a verb or adjective.
結局、彼が来ないことになった。
It turned out that he wouldn't come after all.
The plan turned out to be cancelled.
Means 'it turns out that...' or 'it becomes clear that...'. Used when new information is discovered. Attach to a clause ending in plain form.
彼が犯人だとわかった。
It turned out that he was the culprit.
その話は嘘だとわかった。
That story turned out to be a lie.
An adverb meaning 'in the end' or 'after all'. Often used with verbs like なる or ～する to describe how things turned out.
結局、誰も来なかった。
In the end, nobody turned up.
結局、彼は賛成しなかった。
It turned out that he didn't agree.
Used when you try something and it turns out a certain way. Literally 'when I tried doing...'. Attach to the te-form of a verb.
やってみると、意外と簡単だった。
When I tried it, it turned out to be surprisingly easy.
A formal verb meaning 'to become clear' or 'to be found out'. Used in news or official contexts.
事故の原因は運転手の居眠りだと判明した。
It turned out that the cause of the accident was the driver falling asleep at the wheel.
To come to an event, meeting, or gathering.
General verb for 'to participate' or 'to attend'. Works for events, meetings, classes, etc.
多くの人がそのイベントに参加した。
Many people turned out for the event.
会議に参加する人は少なかった。
Few people turned out for the meeting.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to gather' or 'to assemble'. Emphasizes the crowd rather than individual attendance.
A casual phrase meaning 'to show one's face' or 'to make an appearance'. Used for informal gatherings.
Formal verb for 'to attend', used for official meetings, classes, or ceremonies.
彼は会議に出席しなかった。
He didn't turn out for the meeting.
To make or produce something, especially in large quantities.
Standard verb for 'to produce' or 'to manufacture'. Used for goods, products, etc.
その工場は毎日何千台もの車を生産している。
The factory turns out thousands of cars every day.
Means 'to produce' or 'to churn out', often with a nuance of creativity or effort.
彼は次々と新しい作品を作り出した。
He turned out new works one after another.
Formal term for 'to manufacture', used in industrial contexts.
この会社は電子部品を製造している。
This company turns out electronic components.
To empty the contents of something, especially for cleaning or organizing.
Means 'to empty'. Used for containers, rooms, etc.
引き出しを全部空にして掃除した。
I turned out all the drawers and cleaned them.
Literally 'to take out the contents'. Used when you remove everything from inside something.
バッグの中身を全部出して探した。
I turned out my bag and searched.
To extinguish a light or lamp.
General verb for 'to turn off' or 'to extinguish'. Used for lights, fires, appliances.
部屋を出るときは電気を消してください。
Please turn out the light when you leave the room.
The English phrasal verb "turn out" cannot be directly translated into Japanese as a single word. Always choose the expression that matches the intended meaning. Using 回る (turn) + 外 (out) would be nonsensical.
～ことになる indicates a decided or resulting state, often due to external factors. ～ようになる indicates a change in ability or habit over time. For "turn out" in the sense of result, ～ことになる is usually correct.
彼と結婚することになった。
It turned out that I will marry him. (circumstances led to this)
日本語が話せるようになった。
I became able to speak Japanese. (change in ability)
コンサートには大勢の人が集まった。
A large crowd turned out for the concert.
パーティーにちょっと顔を出した。
I turned out at the party for a bit.