Translation guide
The English phrase "turning over" can refer to physically flipping something, handing something over, or a change in state. This guide covers the most common Japanese expressions for these meanings.
To turn something over so the other side is facing up, or to flip it upside down.
The most common and versatile verb for flipping something over, turning it upside down, or reversing its orientation.
カードをひっくり返してください。
Please turn over the card.
彼はパンケーキをひっくり返した。
He flipped the pancake over.
Specifically means to turn something over to its reverse side or inside out. Often used for paper, clothing, or objects with a clear front and back.
紙を裏返してください。
Please turn the paper over.
シャツを裏返しに着ているよ。
You're wearing your shirt inside out.
A more formal or technical term for reversing or inverting something, often used in computing or abstract contexts.
画像を反転させてください。
Please flip the image.
To give something to someone, especially after being asked or as part of a procedure.
The standard verb for handing something over to someone. It implies a direct transfer from one person to another.
書類を彼に渡してください。
Please hand over the documents to him.
鍵を渡してもらえますか？
Can you hand over the keys?
Used for formally handing over something, especially in legal or official contexts, like surrendering a suspect or delivering goods.
Literally 'hand over', emphasizing the direct, personal act of passing something by hand.
To roll over or change the side one is lying on, especially while sleeping.
The standard phrase for turning over in bed. It implies a rolling motion from one side to the other.
彼は寝返りを打って、また眠った。
He turned over and went back to sleep.
A shorter verb form of 'to turn over in bed'. Slightly more casual than 寝返りを打つ.
赤ちゃんが寝返った。
The baby turned over.
To start behaving in a better way, to reform, or to make a fresh start.
Literally 'to replace one's heart', meaning to reform oneself or turn over a new leaf. Commonly used for personal change.
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.
To cause an engine to start or to rotate, often used for cars or motors.
The standard phrase for starting an engine. 'Turn over' in this sense is often translated as 'start'.
エンジンがかからない。
The engine won't turn over.
Means to rotate or revolve something. Can be used for turning over an engine in a technical sense.
モーターを回転させてください。
Please turn over the motor.
ひっくり返す is a general term for flipping or overturning something, often with a sense of suddenness or completeness. 裏返す specifically means to turn something to its reverse side, like paper or clothing. Use 裏返す when the object has a clear front and back, and ひっくり返す for more dramatic flips or when the orientation is less defined.
コインをひっくり返す
flip a coin
答案用紙を裏返す
turn over the answer sheet
Avoid directly translating 'turn over' as 回す (mawasu) or 曲がる (magaru). These mean 'rotate' or 'bend' and do not convey the intended meaning of flipping or handing over. Always consider the context and choose the appropriate Japanese verb.
ページをめくる
turn over a page (of a book)
彼は紙を裏返した。
He turned over the paper.
事故で車がひっくり返った。
The car turned over in the accident.
では、答案用紙を裏返してください。
Please turn over your test papers now.
容疑者は警察に引き渡された。
The suspect was turned over to the police.
彼は私に封筒を手渡した。
He handed me the envelope.
Intransitive verb meaning to be overturned or to flip over. Can be used for a person falling over or a vehicle overturning, but not typically for gentle turning in bed.
Not used for normal turning in bed; implies a sudden or violent overturning.
車がひっくり返った。
The car turned over.
Literally 'to be reborn', used figuratively to mean a complete transformation of character or lifestyle.
彼は生まれ変わったように優しくなった。
He became kind as if he had turned over a new leaf.