Japanese symbol for “overturn”
覆す
くつがえす
Romaji: kutsugaesu
to overturn; to capsize; to upset
In Japanese, overturn is 覆す, read くつがえす (kutsugaesu).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- v5s, vt to overturn; to capsize; to upset
- v5s, vt to overthrow (government etc.)
- v5s, vt to reverse (decision etc.); to disprove (an established theory etc.); to overrule
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “overturn”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 返す | かえす kaesu | to turn over; to turn upside down; to overturn |
| ひっくり返す | ひっくりかえす hikkurikaesu | to overturn (e.g. a decision); to upset; to reverse |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 覆う | おおう oou | to cover; to hide; to conceal |
| 転覆 | てんぷく tenpuku | overturning; capsizing |
| 覆面 | ふくめん fukumen | mask; veil; disguise |
| 覆い | おおい ooi | cover; mantle; shroud |
| 覆る | くつがえる kutsugaeru | to topple over; to be overturned; to capsize |
See also: Chinese symbol for “overturn”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.