まがります

§ What does it mean and when do people use it?

DEFINITION

「まがります」 (magarimasu) is a verb that means "to turn" or "to bend." It's a fundamental word you'll use often when giving or receiving directions, describing the shape of something, or talking about physical actions. Think of it as the go-to word for anything that involves a change in direction or a curve.

You'll hear 「まがります」 in a lot of everyday situations. For example, when you're asking for directions, someone might tell you to 「右にまがってください」 (migi ni magatte kudasai), which means "Please turn right." Or if you're describing a road, you might say 「道がまがっています」 (michi ga magatte imasu), meaning "The road is bending/curving."

It's not just for roads or directions. You can use 「まがります」 for physical objects too. If a piece of paper gets creased, you could say 「紙がまがりました」 (kami ga magarimashita), meaning "The paper bent." It's a versatile verb that covers a range of bending or turning actions.

One important thing to remember is the particle used with 「まがります」. When you're talking about turning at a specific location or in a certain direction, you'll often use the particle 「に」 (ni). For example, 「角を右にまがります」 (kado o migi ni magarimasu) means "I turn right at the corner." The 「を」 (o) particle marks the path or place you are turning along or at, while 「に」 indicates the direction of the turn.

Let's look at another common use: describing something that is already bent or curved. You would use the te-form of the verb followed by 「います」 (imasu) to describe a state. So, 「まがっています」 means "is bent" or "is curving."

The nuance of 「まがります」 can also imply an indirect route or a deviation. If you say 「まっすぐ行かずに、ここでまがります」 (massugu ikazu ni, koko de magarimasu), it means "Instead of going straight, I'll turn here."

Here are some key phrases where 「まがります」 is essential:

• 「右にまがる」 (migi ni magaru): to turn right

• 「左にまがる」 (hidari ni magaru): to turn left

• 「角をまがる」 (kado o magaru): to turn a corner

• 「道がまがる」 (michi ga magaru): a road bends/curves

Understanding these basic uses will give you a solid foundation for using 「まがります」 correctly. It's a word you'll encounter and use constantly in Japan, so get comfortable with it!

Let's talk about the Japanese verb まがります (magarimasu). This is a really common and useful word, and you'll hear it a lot in daily conversation. It means 'to turn' or 'to bend.' Think about turning a corner, or something bending. That's まがります.

Japanese Word

まがります (magarimasu)

Meaning

To turn; to bend.

CEFR Level

A2

§ Basic Use of まがります

The most common way you'll use まがります is when giving or receiving directions. Imagine you're asking someone for directions to the train station, or explaining how to get to your house. This word is essential for navigating Japanese cities.

Hint

You will turn at the next corner.

Hint

Please turn left.

§ まがります in Directions

When you're out and about in Japan, especially in bigger cities, you'll hear まがります all the time. Whether it's on a navigation app, from a helpful stranger, or even on public announcements about train lines. Pay attention to the particles used with it.

• を まがります (o magarimasu): This means you're turning 'along' or 'through' something, like a corner or a street.
• へ まがります (e magarimasu): This indicates turning 'towards' a direction, like left or right.

Hint

Please turn right on that street.

Hint

It's right after you turn at the intersection.

§ まがります Beyond Directions

While directions are a primary use, まがります can also describe things that bend physically.

Hint

This road bends a little.

Hint

The tree is bending in the wind.

§ In Professional Settings

Even in work or more formal settings, まがります still appears, particularly when discussing routes, plans, or even physical objects that need to be bent or shaped.

Hint

This pipe bends from here.

Hint

The route bends a little here, so please be careful.

まがります is a fundamental verb in Japanese. Mastering its use, especially with directions, will significantly improve your ability to communicate in daily situations in Japan. Keep practicing, and you'll soon find yourself using it naturally!