逆さま・逆様・倒|さかさまsakasama[0]heiban (flat)
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Which spelling to use
逆さま逆さま is the most common written form and the recommended choice for beginners; use it as the default when writing the word.
逆様逆様 is a kanji-only written form that is rarely used, so learners will seldom encounter it and should generally choose 逆さま instead.
倒倒 is a kanji-only written form that is rarely used; learners should generally use 逆さま rather than choosing this form.
Definitions
- na-adjective, no-adjectiveinverted; upside down; reversed; back to front; wrong way round
Conjugation
| Plain form | 逆さま（さかさま） |
|---|---|
| Polite (desu) | 逆さまです（さかさまです） |
| Negative (dewa nai) | 逆さまではない（さかさまではない） |
| polite (dewa arimasen) | 逆さまではありません（さかさまではありません） |
| Past (datta) | 逆さまだった（さかさまだった） |
| Past negative (dewa nakatta) | 逆さまではなかった（さかさまではなかった） |
| Te form (de) | 逆さまで（さかさまで） |
| Adverbial (ni) | 逆さまに（さかさまに） |
| Conditional (nara) | 逆さまなら（さかさまなら） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym逆ぎゃくNeutralA noun for things being opposite in direction, order, or position; broad in range and fairly abstract. 「逆さま」 highlights the physical look of being upside down.
- SynonymあべこべCasualColloquial: things put on or arranged completely the wrong way round, e.g. 「靴をあべこべに履く」. Often carries a comical feel.
- Synonym逆ささかさNeutralA shortened form of 「逆さま」 meaning inverted or turned over; very common in speech.
- Synonym裏腹うらはらNeutralFor outcomes exactly opposite to one's feelings or expectations, as in 「言葉と裏腹に」 or 「期待とは裏腹に」.
- Synonym逆しまさかしまWrittenWritten word for being inverted or upside down; can also mean absurd or contrary to reason, with a literary flavor.
- SynonymリバースNeutralLoanword for reversing a car, rewinding a tape, or flipping something; mostly used for operating machines.
- Related対極たいきょくWrittenA noun for two completely opposite extremes, as in 「対極にある考え」. Leans toward written, formal prose.
- RelatedリバースNeutralLoanword for reversing a car, rewinding a tape, or flipping something; mostly used for operating machines.
- Related相反そうはんWrittenA noun for mutual opposition or contradiction, as in 「利害が相反する」. Leans toward written, formal prose.
Use 「逆さま」 for the look of being upside down or back to front, as in 「逆さまに吊るす」. For abstract opposites pick 「逆」, for things mixed up 「あべこべ」, for outcomes against expectations 「裏腹」, for complete opposites 「対極」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
