Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "turn up" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: arriving or appearing, increasing volume or intensity, finding something unexpectedly, and folding or rolling up fabric. Each meaning is explained with natural Japanese expressions.
To arrive at a place, often unexpectedly or casually; to show up.
General verb for appearing or showing up. Can be used for people or things.
彼は突然パーティーに現れた。
He suddenly turned up at the party.
Casual way to say someone comes or shows up. Often implies a bit of effort or journey.
彼女は遅れてやって来た。
She turned up late.
Literally 'show one's face'. Used for making a brief appearance at an event.
ちょっとだけ顔を出すよ。
I'll turn up for a little while.
To raise the volume, heat, or intensity of something.
General verb for raising something. Used with volume, temperature, etc.
テレビの音量を上げて。
Turn up the TV volume.
Literally 'make big'. Common for increasing volume or size.
ラジオをもう少し大きくして。
Turn up the radio a bit more.
To strengthen or intensify. Used for abstract things like pressure or force.
To discover something by chance, especially after searching.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be found'. The thing that turns up is the subject.
なくした鍵が見つかった。
The lost keys turned up.
Literally 'come out'. Used when something missing suddenly appears.
探していた本がやっと出てきた。
The book I was looking for finally turned up.
To fold or roll the edge of something, like a cuff or collar, upward.
To fold back or turn up a hem, cuff, etc.
ジーンズの裾を折り返した。
I turned up the hem of my jeans.
To roll up sleeves or pants roughly. More casual.
彼は袖をまくった。
He turned up his sleeves.
The English phrasal verb 'turn up' cannot be directly translated as a single Japanese verb. Always choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
暖房を強めてください。
Please turn up the heat.