Japanese symbol for “upset”
覆す
くつがえす
Romaji: kutsugaesu
to overturn; to capsize; to upset
In Japanese, upset 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 “upset”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 番狂わせ | ばんくるわせ bankuruwase | unexpected result; upset; surprise |
| かき乱す | かきみだす kakimidasu | to disturb; to upset; to ruffle |
| 揺さぶる | ゆさぶる yusaburu | to shake (e.g. the political world); to disturb; to shock |
| どぎまぎ | どぎまぎ dogimagi | flurried; flustered; upset |
| 逸らす | そらす sorasu | to displease; to annoy; to offend |
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 “upset”.
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.