引っ繰り返る

ひっくりかえる

to be overturned, to be upset, to topple over, to be reversed

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"引っ繰り返る" means to be overturned, flipped over, or to be reversed. It is often used to describe physical objects like tables or boats that are turned upside down by an external force, such as wind or waves. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or discussions that are completely reversed or upset.

Common Collocations

  • 引っ繰り返る + object (e.g., テーブルが引っ繰り返る): to describe something physically overturned.
  • 議論が引っ繰り返る: to describe a discussion or argument that is turned upside down or reversed.

Register and Nuance

This verb is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. It often conveys a sudden or forceful overturning. When used metaphorically, it emphasizes a dramatic change or reversal.

Learner Tips

Be careful not to confuse 引っ繰り返る with simple verbs like 返る (to return) or 逆転する (to reverse), as 引っ繰り返る often implies a physical flipping or a sudden, forceful reversal rather than a gradual or abstract change.

Example Sentences

つよいかぜでてーぶるがひっくりかえった。

The table was overturned by the strong wind.

かれのはなしでぎろんのながれがひっくりかえった。

The flow of the discussion was completely reversed by his story.

ぼーとがなみにひっくりかえってしまった。

The boat was capsized by the waves.