The phrase ‘turn the other way’ is commonly used in English to suggest looking away from something, particularly in the context of avoiding something unpleasant or difficult to face. However, the direct translation from a dictionary might only suggest ‘flip’ or ‘reverse,’ which doesn’t quite capture the idiomatic meaning of the phrase. Let’s break it down and understand how ‘turn the other way’ works in this context and why it might be translated as ‘目を背ける’ (look away).
1. The Literal Meaning of ‘Turn the Other Way’
When translated literally, the phrase ‘turn the other way’ could indeed mean to physically flip something or reverse its direction. This is often used in contexts such as turning around or rotating an object. However, in the phrase from the question, it is used in a figurative sense.
2. The Idiomatic Usage of ‘Turn the Other Way’
In idiomatic English, ‘turn the other way’ means to look away from something unpleasant, often because it is too difficult, uncomfortable, or inappropriate to face. This is a common expression in situations where people wish to avoid confronting something or someone, such as when they see something disturbing. In this case, the phrase ‘turn the other way’ conveys the act of intentionally avoiding something.
3. Why ‘Turn the Other Way’ is Translated as ‘目を背ける’
In Japanese, the phrase ‘目を背ける’ (me wo somukeru) translates directly as ‘to look away’ or ‘to turn one’s eyes away.’ This translation captures the figurative meaning of ‘turn the other way,’ which involves actively avoiding or refraining from looking at something uncomfortable, which is why it’s an appropriate translation. The phrase reflects the action of deliberately choosing to avoid something visually or emotionally.
4. Conclusion: Translation as Interpretation
In conclusion, while a dictionary might only provide the literal meanings of individual words, translations often require a deeper understanding of context. In this case, ‘turn the other way’ is not just about physically flipping something, but rather a figurative expression about avoidance. Thus, ‘目を背ける’ is a fitting translation that captures the idiomatic meaning of the phrase.
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