Translation guide
The English word 'turnaround' can refer to a reversal of direction, a change from bad to good, or the time needed to complete a task. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Expressing a physical or metaphorical 180-degree turn, such as a vehicle turning around or a policy reversal.
Literally 'change of direction'. Used for vehicles, plans, or policies making a U-turn or reversal.
トラックが狭い道で方向転換した。
The truck made a turnaround on the narrow road.
Borrowed from English 'U-turn'. Common for vehicles making a U-turn, and metaphorically for returning to a previous state or location.
ここでUターンしてください。
Please make a turnaround here.
Means 'reversal' or 'inversion'. Used for flipping direction, turning over, or a sudden change in trend.
株価が急に反転した。
The stock price made a sudden turnaround.
Verb meaning 'to turn back' or 'to retrace one's steps'. Used when someone physically turns around and goes back.
天気が悪くなったので引き返した。
We made a turnaround because the weather got bad.
Describing a company, economy, or personal situation that goes from failure to success.
Noun meaning 'rebuilding' or 'recovery'. Often used for business turnarounds or restructuring.
会社の立て直しに成功した。
We succeeded in the company's turnaround.
General term for 'recovery' or 'improvement'. Can be used for health, economy, or performance.
Literally 'V-shaped recovery'. A common business term for a sharp turnaround after a decline.
売上がV字回復した。
Sales made a V-shaped turnaround.
Means 'taking a turn for the better'. Used for situations improving, but less common in business contexts than 立て直し.
Referring to the turnaround time for a service, repair, or process.
Standard term for 'time required'. Used in formal and everyday contexts for how long something takes.
修理の所要時間はどのくらいですか？
What is the turnaround time for the repair?
Means 'delivery date' or 'deadline'. Used in business for the turnaround time of an order or project.
Literally 'turnover rate'. Used for inventory or table turnover in restaurants, but can imply speed of turnaround.
景気の回復には時間がかかる。
The economic turnaround will take time.
事態が好転する兆しはない。
There is no sign of a turnaround in the situation.
The turnaround for this project is short.
このレストランは回転率が高い。
This restaurant has a fast turnaround.