Japanese word

起伏

Pronunciation

Romajikifuku

Meaning

  • nounundulation

Example

この道は起伏が多いです。ko no michi wa ki fuku ga ō i de su

This road has many undulations.

Illustration for 起伏 (undulation)

More examples

声の起伏を意識すると、話し方が自然になります。koe no ki fuku o i shiki su ru to hana shi kata ga shi zen ni na ri ma su

Being mindful of vocal intonation makes your speech sound more natural.

Core concept

Describes a surface or course that repeatedly rises and falls rather than staying level.

Common phrases

  • 起伏が多いki fuku ga ō i

    have many undulations

  • 起伏に富むki fuku ni to mu

    be rich in undulations

  • 起伏が激しいki fuku ga hage shi i

    have steep undulations

Similar words

凹凸ōtotsu: A surface pattern made uneven by bumps and hollows.
高低差kōteisa: The difference between a higher and a lower point, especially in terrain.
抑揚yokuyō: Variation in the force and pitch of speech or music.

Definition in Japanese

地面や道などの高さが上がったり下がったりして平らでないこと。ji men ya michi na do no taka sa ga a ga tta ri sa ga tta ri shi te tai ra de na i ko to

Word origin

起伏 (kifuku) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 起 (ki, "rise") and 伏 (fuku, "lie down"), expressing alternating high and low points.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 起伏 (kifuku) can describe not only terrain but also changes in the intensity of emotions.

Other meanings

  • ups and downsnoun
  • unevennessnoun

Opposites

  • 平坦heitanflatna-adjective

Word lists with this word