引っ繰り返す

ひっくりかえす

to turn over, to overturn, to knock over

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 引っ繰り返す (ひっくりかえす) means "to turn over," "to overturn," or "to knock over." It is often used when something is flipped upside down or capsized, such as a table, a trash can, or a boat. The action usually implies a sudden or forceful overturning.

Common Contexts

This verb is frequently used in everyday situations involving accidents or mishaps, like children knocking over furniture or objects being overturned by wind or other forces. It can also describe more serious incidents like a boat capsizing.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 引っ繰り返す + object (e.g., テーブルを引っ繰り返す): to knock over something
  • 引っ繰り返される (passive form): to be overturned
  • 引っ繰り返してしまう (with しまう): to accidentally or regrettably overturn

Register and Nuance

This verb is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese. It conveys a physical action and is not typically used metaphorically.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 引っ繰り返す with simply "turning over" in a gentle sense, but 引っ繰り返す implies a more forceful or accidental overturning rather than a careful flip.

Example Sentences

こどもがてーぶるをひっくりかえしてしまった。

The child knocked over the table.

かぜでごみばこがひっくりかえされた。

The trash can was overturned by the wind.

かれはぼーとをひっくりかえしてしまった。

He capsized the boat.