Japanese word

逆さま

Pronunciation

Romajisakasama

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveupside down

Example

写真が逆さまです。sha shin ga saka sa ma de su

The picture is upside down.

Illustration for 逆さま (upside down)

More examples

子どもが帽子を逆さまにかぶっています。ko do mo ga bō shi o saka sa ma ni ka bu tte i ma su

The child is wearing the hat upside down.

Core concept

Describes a state in which the usual top-to-bottom or front-to-back orientation is reversed.

Common phrases

  • 逆さまになるsaka sa ma ni na ru

    turn upside down

  • 逆さまにするsaka sa ma ni su ru

    turn upside down

  • 逆さまに置くsaka sa ma ni o ku

    place upside down

Similar words

逆さsakasa: Describes a state in which the usual top and bottom are reversed.
逆向きgyakumuki: Describes something arranged to face in the direction opposite to its normal orientation.
あべこべabekobe: Describes an order or arrangement in which expected positions are reversed.

Definition in Japanese

上下や前後の向きが、本来とは反対になっているさま。jō ge ya zen go no mu ki ga hon rai to wa han tai ni na tte i ru sa ma

Word origin

The native Japanese word 逆さま (sakasama, "reversed state") combines 逆さ (sakasa, "reversed") with 様 (sama, "form or state").

Usage tips

  • Japanese uses 逆さま (sakasama) for pictures, writing, and other arrangements whose orientation is reversed, not only for objects physically turned over.

Other meanings

  • back to frontna-adjective
  • reversedna-adjective

Word lists with this word