Translation and Meaning of: 俯く - utsumuku

If you have ever felt embarrassed enough to want to hide your face, the Japanese verb 俯く (うつむく) describes exactly that movement: lowering your head, whether out of shame, sadness, or even contemplation. In this article, we will explore the etymology, daily usage, and even tips for effectively memorizing this kanji. Additionally, you will discover how the pictogram reveals the meaning behind the writing and why this word appears so often in dramas and mangas. If you are looking for practical examples to include in Anki or understand the cultural origin, you are in the right place.

Etymology and writing of the kanji 俯く

The kanji 俯 is composed of two radicals: 人 (person) and 府 (office/government), but interestingly, its meaning has no direct connection to bureaucracy. The combination suggests a person bowing, as if submitting to something — hence the association with shame or humility. The right side (府) also appears in words like 俯伏 (ふくふく, prostrate), reinforcing the idea of inclination.

In writing, the most important stroke is that of "person" (人), which curves to the right, almost as if it's truly bowing its head. If you've tried to draw this kanji and found it difficult, don't worry: even Japanese people make mistakes when writing it very quickly. One tip is to that the top part looks like a tilted hat — an image that helps reinforce the meaning of "looking down."

Lies in everyday life and cultural nuances

to look down is not used only for shame. In romantic contexts, it can describe someone shy who looks away when receiving a compliment. In formal situations, such as ceremonies, it indicates respect — a subtle gesture, but loaded with meaning. It's hard to find a dorama that doesn't have a scene where the protagonist to look down after a dramatic revelation.

Did you know? In Japan, bowing can be more eloquent than words. During the 2011 earthquake, many reports showed survivors うつむきながら thanking helpers — a gesture that went viral as a symbol of resilience. If you want to sound natural when using this verb, notice how the Japanese take a pause before pronouncing it, almost as if they are recreating the action.

Tips for memorization and related searches

Those who search for "俯く 意味" on Google usually want to know if there is a difference from 下を向く (to look down). The answer? They are almost synonyms, but うつむく carries more emotion. To , associate the kanji with a striking scene: imagine a defeated samurai bowing his head before the victor — the image of the radical 人 leaning makes perfect sense now.

Another strategy is to create flashcards with everyday phrases: "恥ずかしくて俯いてしまった" (I bowed my head in shame) sounds much more natural than memorizing in isolation. And if you like music, the singer Utada Hikaru uses the term in the lyrics of "First Love" — yet another proof of how this word is embedded in Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 俯く

• 俯く - Dictionary form
• 俯ける - te-form verb ending
• 俯いて - Conjugated to te-form
• 俯かない - Negative form
• 俯いた - 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 (fu) - lie face down
• 顔を伏せる (kao o fu) - 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