逆立ち

さかだち

handstand, headstand

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"逆立ち" (さかだち) refers to the physical act of standing upside down, typically supported by the hands, known as a handstand or headstand. It is often seen in gymnastics, yoga, or playful activities.

Common Contexts

People use 逆立ち in exercise or play, and it can also appear in health-related discussions about improving circulation or balance. It is a noun but can be combined with verbs like する (to do) to describe the action.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 逆立ちをする: to do a handstand; the most common way to express performing the action.
  • 逆立ちして歩く: to walk on one's hands; describes a more advanced skill.
  • 逆立ちで: using a handstand position; often used to describe how something is done.

Register and Nuance

This word is neutral and used in both casual and formal contexts when discussing physical activities. It is not slang or highly technical.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 逆立ち with 倒立 (とうりつ), which also means handstand but is more formal or technical. 逆立ち is more common in everyday conversation.

Example Sentences

かれはこうえんでさかだちをしてあそんでいる。

He is playing by doing a handstand in the park.

さかだちをするとちのめぐりがよくなるといわれている。

It is said that doing a handstand improves blood circulation.

さかだちしてあるくのはとてもむずかしい。

Walking on your hands is very difficult.