覆る

• Reading: くつがえる
• Romaji: kutsugaeru
• Kanji breakdown: 覆 (fuku/kutsu) — to overturn, cover
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.tsɯ.ɡa.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be overturned; to be reversed; to be disproved; to capsize. Describes a sudden, decisive reversal of an established position or verdict.

A Group 1 (godan) verb, the intransitive counterpart of 覆す (kutsugaesu, to overturn). Used when an established order, court verdict, accepted theory, or dominant position is reversed or invalidated. Common in legal contexts (判決が覆る = a verdict is overturned), scientific contexts (定説が覆る = a received theory is disproved), and sports (形勢が覆る = the tide turns).

Examples

1. 新たな証拠が見つかり、有罪判決が覆った。 New evidence was found, and the guilty verdict was overturned.
2. 長年の定説が一つの実験によって覆る可能性がある。 A long-held theory could be disproved by a single experiment.
3. 試合終盤で形勢が覆り、逆転勝利を収めた。 The tide of the game was reversed late in the match, resulting in a comeback victory.

Usage Guide

Context: law, science, sports, politics

Tone: dramatic

Origin & History

From 覆す (kutsugaesu). The kanji 覆 combines a covering element with a component suggesting reversal, evoking the image of something being turned upside down completely.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal