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Translation and Meaning of: 俯く - utsumuku

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 俯く (utsumuku) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: utsumuku

Kana: うつむく

Type: verb

L: -

俯く

Translation / Meaning: lower the head of shame

Meaning in English: to hang one's head for shame

Definition: Keep your head down, don't look up.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (俯く) utsumuku

The Japanese word 「俯く」 (utsumuku) is a verb that means "to lower one's head" or "to look down." Most of the time, the action of "looking down" implies a gesture of introspection, sadness, shyness, or reflection. The use of this verb, especially in literature and daily conversation, can bring emotional depth to characters and situations, indicating a change of emotion or a moment of vulnerability.

Etymologically, 「俯く」 is composed of two kanji: 「俯」 (uta or fu) which means "inclined" or "lowering", and 「く」 (ku) which, in this context, functions as part of the verb but does not have an isolated meaning. The act of lowering the head is a deeply rooted body language expression in many cultures, representing deference, respect, or introspection.

In Japanese culture, bowing one's head or looking down can have various connotations. It can be a sign of respect when someone bows to another; it can demonstrate shame or regret; or it can reflect someone lost deeply in thought. In this sense, 「俯く」 is more than just a simple physical action; it is a gesture loaded with emotional and cultural significance. It is interesting to observe how this simple gesture can be so revealing in social and personal contexts.

Verbal conjugation of 俯く

See below a small list of verb conjugations: 俯く (utsumuku)

  • く - Dictionary form
  • ける - te-form verb ending
  • いて - Conjugated to te-form
  • かない - Negative form
  • いた - Past form

Synonyms and similar words

  • うつむく (utsumuku) - tilt your head down
  • 仰向けになる (aomuke ni naru) - lie on one's back
  • 伏せる (fuseru) - lie face down
  • 顔を伏せる (kao o fuseru) - hide the face or the visage
  • 頭を下げる (atama o sageru) - tilting the head as a sign of respect or apology
  • 身をかがめる (mi o kagameru) - bend the body or squat down

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Words related

Words with the same pronunciation: うつむく utsumuku

How to Write in Japanese - (俯く) utsumuku

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (俯く) utsumuku:

Example Sentences - (俯く) utsumuku

Below are some example sentences:

彼は恥ずかしくて俯いていた。

Kare wa hazukashikute utsumuite ita

He was embarrassed and looking down.

He was embarrassed and refused.

  • 彼 (kare) - He
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 恥ずかしい (hazukashii) - Embarrassed
  • くて (kute) - Suffix indicating a condition or state
  • 俯いていた (utsumuiteita) - I was looking down

Other words of the same type: verb

See other words from our dictionary that are also: verb

itasu
to do
isogu
rush; rush
ijiru
touch; to mix
iji
maintenance; preservation
ijimeru
to tease; torment; to chase; punish
俯く