Meaning and Usage
覆す (くつがえす) means to overturn, upset, or overthrow something, often used in contexts where an established fact, belief, or situation is reversed. It is a transitive verb and typically involves a significant change or challenge to the status quo.
Common Contexts
This verb is frequently used in legal, scientific, or social contexts where new evidence or ideas challenge previous assumptions or decisions. For example, "新しい証拠が判決を覆す" (new evidence overturns a verdict).
Collocations and Patterns
- 覆す + 事実 (fact): to overturn a fact
- 常識を覆す (じょうしきをくつがえす): to overturn common sense or conventional wisdom
- 判決を覆す (はんけつをくつがえす): to overturn a court decision
These collocations emphasize the strong impact of the action.
Register and Nuance
覆す is a formal verb often found in written language, news reports, academic discussions, and formal speeches. It conveys a strong sense of reversal or disruption.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 覆す with simpler verbs like 変える (to change) or 直す (to fix). However, 覆す implies a more radical or fundamental overturning, not just a minor change or correction.