まがります

The Japanese verb まがります (magarimasu) is a versatile and essential term that primarily translates to 'to turn' or 'to bend' in English. In the context of the CEFR A2 level, it is most frequently encountered when providing or following directions. Whether you are riding in a taxi in Tokyo, asking a local for the nearest convenience store, or following a GPS navigation system, this word is the standard polite way to describe the action of changing direction at a corner or intersection. However, its utility extends far beyond just walking or driving. It also describes physical objects that are not straight, such as a bent nail, a curved road, or even the way a river meanders through a valley. Understanding magarimasu requires recognizing its nature as an intransitive verb, meaning the subject itself undergoes the turning or bending without necessarily specifying an external agent performing the action on it.

Directional Usage

When used for navigation, it usually follows a particle like 'を' (wo) to indicate the point of turning, such as 'kado wo magarimasu' (turn at the corner). It can also indicate the direction of the turn using 'に' (ni) or 'へ' (he), such as 'migi ni magarimasu' (turn to the right).

Beyond physical movement, まがります can be used metaphorically or to describe the state of an object. If a wire is bent, you might say 'harigane ga magatte imasu' (the wire is bent). In Japanese culture, the concept of 'bending' can also apply to one's character or the truth, though these are more advanced uses. For an A2 learner, focusing on the physical 'turn' is the priority. The verb is a 'Godan' verb (Group 1), which means its conjugation follows the 'u' to 'i' pattern before adding 'masu'. This systematic nature makes it easy to recognize once you understand the root 'magar-'.

Physical State

It describes the inherent shape of an object. For example, a 'magatta michi' is a winding or curved road, whereas a 'massugu na michi' is a straight road.

In daily life, you will encounter this word in automated voices as well. Elevator announcements, car navigation systems, and train station guidance all use magarimasu or its variants. It is a word that signifies a change in trajectory. If you are walking straight and decide to change your path, you are 'bending' your route. This logical connection between a physical bend and a directional turn is key to mastering the word's nuances.

Grammar Note

Note the distinction between 'magarimasu' (intransitive) and 'magemasu' (transitive). You turn (magarimasu) at a corner, but you bend (magemasu) a piece of metal with your hands.

Finally, the word appears in many compound expressions and set phrases. For instance, 'maga-kado' (a street corner) literally translates to the 'turning corner'. By learning this verb, you unlock a wide array of vocabulary related to shapes, directions, and spatial orientation. It is one of the top 500 most useful verbs for surviving and thriving in a Japanese-speaking environment.

Using まがります (magarimasu) correctly in a sentence involves understanding the particles that accompany it. The most common structure for giving directions is [Place] + [Particle] + [Direction] + [Particle] + magarimasu. For example, 'Kousaten wo hidari ni magarimasu' means 'Turn left at the intersection'. Here, 'wo' marks the location where the turn occurs, and 'ni' marks the direction of the turn. This is a subtle point that many beginners miss; 'wo' acts as a marker for the space through which the movement passes.

The 'Wo' Particle

'Wo' is used with verbs of motion (like walk, fly, or turn) to indicate the area being traversed. Think of it as 'turning [through/at] the corner'.

Another common usage is describing the physical properties of objects. When you want to say something is bent or curved, you often use the 'te-form' plus 'imasu' to show the current state. 'Kono kugi wa magatte imasu' (This nail is bent). This is different from the act of turning. However, in the simple 'masu' form, magarimasu can also indicate a future action or a general habit. For instance, 'Kono saki de michi ga migi ni magarimasu' (The road curves to the right up ahead) describes a permanent geographic feature.

Directional Markers

You can use 'ni' or 'he' for direction. 'Migi ni magarimasu' and 'Migi he magarimasu' are both correct, though 'ni' is more common in spoken directions.

In more complex sentences, you might combine magarimasu with other verbs to describe a sequence of events. Using the 'te-form' allows you to chain actions together. 'Massugu itte, kado wo magatte, ginkou no mae de tomatte kudasai' (Go straight, turn the corner, and stop in front of the bank). This 'step-by-step' approach is how most directions are given in Japan. Note that 'magarimasu' is an intransitive verb, so the subject is the person or vehicle moving, not the object being manipulated.

Describing Objects

When describing a person's posture, 'koshi ga magaru' (back/waist bends) is used to describe elderly people or someone leaning over.

One final nuance is the use of magarimasu in the context of light or sound. In physics, light 'bends' or refracts, which is also described using 'magaru'. While this might be a B1 or B2 level concept, it illustrates the broad range of the verb. For the A2 student, mastering the distinction between 'migi' (right) and 'hidari' (left) in conjunction with 'magarimasu' is the most practical application of this grammar.

If you travel to Japan, まがります (magarimasu) is one of the most common words you will hear in public spaces. Perhaps the most iconic place to hear it is inside a bus or a taxi. Japanese bus drivers are known for their extreme politeness and safety announcements. As the bus approaches a turn, the driver will often announce over the loudspeaker, 'Migi ni magarimasu, go-chuui kudasai' (Turning right, please be careful). This is a warning to passengers to hold onto the handrails as the vehicle shifts its weight. Similarly, in a taxi, if you tell the driver where to go, they will confirm your instructions by saying 'Tsugi no kado wo migi desu ne? Magarimasu' (Right at the next corner, right? I'm turning now).

Public Transport

Automated voices in elevators also use this verb. If an elevator has a horizontal movement component (rare but exists) or in some specialized transport, you might hear it. More commonly, GPS apps like Google Maps or Yahoo! CarNavi will constantly repeat 'San-byaku meetoru saki, kousaten wo hidari ni magarimasu' (In 300 meters, turn left at the intersection).

In a shopping mall or a large building, if you ask a staff member for the restroom, they might point and say, 'Ano kado wo magarimasu to, migi-gawa ni gozaimasu' (If you turn that corner, it will be on your right). The use of 'magarimasu' here provides a clear spatial instruction. You also hear it in weather or traffic reports when describing the path of a typhoon or the curve of a highway. For example, 'Taifuu wa kita ni magarimasu' (The typhoon will turn north).

Construction & Safety

At construction sites, workers directing traffic with glowing batons might shout instructions to drivers, though they often use the shorter 'magatte!' or 'migi!' for speed.

Another interesting place to hear this word is in sports or physical education. A coach might tell a student, 'Hiza wo magarimasu' (Wait, actually they would use the transitive 'magemasu' for 'bend your knees'). This highlights a crucial listening distinction: if the coach says 'Hiza ga magatte iru' (Your knees are bent), they are describing your form. If they say 'Motto magare!' (Bend more!), they are using the imperative of the intransitive to mean 'Make yourself more bent'. This subtle difference is everywhere in Japanese daily life.

Everyday Social Situations

If you are walking with a friend and they suddenly change direction, they might say 'A, koko magarimasu!' (Ah, I'm turning here!).

In summary, magarimasu is the sound of navigation and physical change. Whether it's the mechanical voice of a GPS or the polite guidance of a shop assistant, it is a word that guides you through the physical world of Japan.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with まがります (magarimasu) is confusing it with its transitive counterpart, まげます (magemasu). In English, the word 'bend' can be both intransitive ('The road bends') and transitive ('I bend the wire'). However, in Japanese, these are two distinct verbs. Magarimasu is intransitive (the subject bends/turns), while magemasu is transitive (someone bends the subject). If you say 'Kagi wo magarimasu', it sounds like you are physically turning the key at a corner, which is nonsensical. You should say 'Kagi wo magemasu' if you are bending the key, or 'Kagi wo mawasimasu' if you are turning it in a lock.

Transitive vs. Intransitive

Magarimasu (曲がる): The subject turns/bends on its own. (e.g., The road turns).
Magemasu (曲げる): Someone bends an object. (e.g., I bend the spoon).

Another common error involves particle usage. Many students use 'ni' to mark the location of the turn, but 'wo' is the correct particle for the place you are passing through to make the turn. For example, 'Kado ni magarimasu' is often used by mistake when 'Kado wo magarimasu' is the natural expression. 'Ni' should be reserved for the direction (right/left) or the destination. Using the wrong particle can make your directions sound 'clunky' or slightly confusing to a native speaker.

Particle Confusion

Location of turn: Use 'WO' (e.g., Kado wo...).
Direction of turn: Use 'NI' (e.g., Migi ni...).

Thirdly, learners often forget to use the '-te imasu' form when describing a state. If you see a bent pipe and say 'Paipu ga magarimasu', it sounds like the pipe is currently in the process of bending or will bend in the future. To describe the current state of being bent, you must say 'Paipu ga magatte imasu'. This distinction between action and state is a fundamental part of Japanese grammar that applies to many verbs, but it is particularly noticeable with magarimasu.

Action vs. State

Magarimasu: The act of turning/bending.
Magatte imasu: The state of being bent/turned.

Lastly, don't confuse magarimasu (to turn/bend) with mawarimasu (to rotate/go around). While they sound similar and both involve non-linear movement, mawarimasu is used for spinning objects like a fan or going around a circular path like a track. If you tell a taxi driver to 'mawarimasu' at a corner, they might think you want to do a U-turn or drive in a circle around the block!

While まがります (magarimasu) is the most common word for turning, there are several alternatives and related words that can add precision to your Japanese. For instance, if you are specifically talking about making a U-turn, the katakana word ユーターンする (yuutaan suru) is used. If you are talking about turning a knob or a steering wheel, the verb まわします (mawashimasu) is more appropriate, as it implies a rotational motion rather than a change in the direction of travel.

Magarimasu vs. Mawashimasu

Magarimasu: To turn a corner or change path direction.
Mawashimasu: To rotate something (like a dial or a wheel).

Another synonym often used in formal or written directions is させつする (sasetsu suru) for 'turning left' and うせつする (usetsu suru) for 'turning right'. These are Sino-Japanese (Kango) words. You will see these on road signs or hear them in very formal navigation instructions. While magarimasu is perfectly fine for daily conversation, using sasetsu or usetsu makes you sound more technical or professional.

Formal Alternatives

左折 (Sasetsu): Left turn.
右折 (Usetsu): Right turn.

For describing something that is extremely curvy or winding, like a mountain road, the word まがりくねる (magarikuneru) is excellent. It combines 'magaru' (to bend) with 'kuneru' (to twist/wiggle). It paints a much more vivid picture than the simple magarimasu. Additionally, if something is tilted or slanted, you might use かたむきます (katamukimasu). While a bent object is magatte iru, a leaning tower is katamukite iru.

Visual Comparisons

Magaru: A simple bend or turn.
Magarikuneru: Winding, zigzagging.
Katamuku: Leaning, tilting.

Lastly, in casual speech, you might hear people use the word カーブする (kaabu suru), borrowed from English 'curve'. This is often used when talking about sports (like a curveball in baseball) or driving on a highway. However, for a standard 90-degree turn at a city corner, magarimasu remains the king of Japanese vocabulary. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that best fits the specific 'shape' of the situation you are describing.