Japanese word

伏せる

Pronunciation

Romajifuseru

Meaning

  • verblay face down

Example

本を伏せます。hon o fu se ma su

I lay the book face down.

Illustration for 伏せる (lay face down)

More examples

中身を見られないように、書類を伏せて置きます。naka mi o mi ra re na i yō ni sho rui o fu se te o ki ma su

I place the document face down so that its contents cannot be seen.

Core concept

Describes turning an object so its visible side points downward, often leaving it in that position.

Common phrases

  • 写真を伏せるsha shin o fu se ru

    place a photo face down

  • 本を伏せるhon o fu se ru

    lay a book face down

  • 書類を伏せるsho rui o fu se ru

    place a document face down

Similar words

裏返すuragaesu: To turn an object over so its other side faces upward.
ひっくり返すhikkurikaesu: To turn an object over completely, often changing its position or direction.

Definition in Japanese

物の表面を下に向けて置く。mono no hyō men o shita ni mu ke te o ku

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 伏せる (fuseru) is related to 伏す (fusu, "to lie face down") and expresses making something face downward.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese card games, the verb 伏せる (fuseru) often describes placing a card face down, linking the word with hidden information.

Other meanings

  • turn face downverb
  • place upside downverb

Related words

  • 伏せ方fusekataway of laying face downnoun

Word lists with this word