Meaning and Usage
The verb 覆う (おおう) primarily means "to cover" or "to conceal." It is used when something physically covers another object, such as snow covering a mountain, or when something is hidden or concealed, like the truth being covered up.
Common Collocations
- 覆う + 物 (e.g., 雪が山を覆う): physical covering
- 覆い隠す (おおいかくす): to hide or conceal something deliberately
- 霧が街を覆う: natural phenomena covering an area
Register and Nuance
覆う is a neutral verb suitable for both written and spoken Japanese. It can be used in formal contexts, especially in news reports or descriptive writing. When combined with 隠す (かくす), it emphasizes deliberate concealment.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 覆う with 包む (つつむ), which also means "to wrap" or "to cover." 覆う usually implies a surface covering or concealment, while 包む often implies wrapping something completely, like a gift or package.
Understanding the context helps choose the correct verb.