Translation guide
The English idiom 'turn over a new leaf' means to start behaving in a better way, to reform, or to make a fresh start. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent, but several expressions capture the idea of changing one's ways, starting anew, or making a fresh start.
Expressing a personal decision to change bad habits or behavior for the better.
Literally 'to replace one's heart/mind'. This is the closest natural Japanese equivalent to 'turn over a new leaf' in the sense of reforming one's character or behavior. It implies a conscious decision to change for the better.
彼は心を入れ替えて、真面目に働き始めた。
He turned over a new leaf and started working seriously.
心を入れ替えるいい機会だ。
It's a good opportunity to turn over a new leaf.
Means 'to reform oneself' or 'to repent and change one's ways'. Often used in contexts of moral or criminal reform. Slightly more formal than 心を入れ替える.
彼は改心して、二度と悪いことをしないと誓った。
He turned over a new leaf and vowed never to do bad things again.
Literally 'to wash one's feet'. An idiom meaning to quit a bad habit or shady business, especially criminal activities or vice. It implies leaving behind a disreputable lifestyle.
彼はやくざの世界から足を洗った。
He turned over a new leaf and left the yakuza world.
Emphasizing the aspect of starting over, often after a setback or at a new phase in life.
Means 'to make a fresh start' or 'to start over'. It focuses on beginning again, often after a failure or a break. Suitable for both personal and professional contexts.
新しい街で再出発することにした。
I decided to turn over a new leaf in a new town.
Literally 'to start over from scratch'. Implies going back to the beginning and rebuilding. Often used when previous efforts have failed.
失敗を認めて、一から出直す覚悟だ。
I admit my failure and am ready to turn over a new leaf from scratch.
Focusing on a shift in mindset or perspective, often leading to improved behavior.
Means 'to renew one's feelings' or 'to refresh one's mindset'. It conveys a determination to approach things with a new attitude, often used at the start of something new.
新年にあたり、気持ちを新たにして目標を立てた。
At the start of the new year, I turned over a new leaf and set goals.
Literally 'to be reborn'. A strong expression for a complete personal transformation, as if becoming a new person. Can be used dramatically or metaphorically.
彼は生まれ変わったように優しくなった。
He turned over a new leaf and became kind, as if reborn.
Both mean to reform oneself, but 心を入れ替える is more everyday and can be used for personal habits, while 改心する often implies a moral or religious conversion and is more formal. 心を入れ替える is the safer choice for general 'turn over a new leaf'.
心を入れ替えて、早起きするようにした。
I turned over a new leaf and started waking up early.
彼は改心して、教会に通い始めた。
He reformed and started attending church.
Do not translate 'turn over a new leaf' literally as 新しい葉をめくる. This makes no sense in Japanese. Use the idiomatic expressions provided above.
事故の後、彼は心を入れ替えて安全運転をするようになった。
After the accident, he turned over a new leaf and started driving safely.
彼女は心を入れ替えて、タバコをやめることにした。
She decided to turn over a new leaf and quit smoking.
A four-character compound meaning 'turning over a new leaf' or 'a complete change of heart'. Often used to describe a fresh start in a new environment or with a new mindset.
転職を機に心機一転、頑張りたい。
With the job change, I want to turn over a new leaf and do my best.