Translation guide
A headstand is an inverted pose where you balance on your head, often with hands supporting. In Japanese, the most common term is 逆立ち (sakadachi), which broadly means handstand or headstand. To specify a headstand, you can say 頭立ち (atamadachi) or ヘッドスタンド (heddosutando).
headstand (general)
Often used for both handstands and headstands; specify with 頭で if needed.
headstand (specific)
headstand (yoga)
The speaker wants to refer to the act of balancing upside down on one's head, typically with hands supporting.
This is the most common word for any inverted balance on hands or head. It's often used for both handstands and headstands, so context clarifies which one. To be specific, you can add 頭で (atama de) before it.
He can do a headstand.
Doing a headstand on your head is difficult.
Literally 'head stand', this specifically means a headstand. It's less common than 逆立ち but unambiguous.
I practiced the headstand pose in yoga.
Loanword from English, used in yoga, gymnastics, or fitness contexts. Clear and specific.
I tried doing a headstand.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'to stand on one's head'. Not a fixed term, but understandable.
He can stand on his head.
Referring specifically to the yoga pose where you balance on the crown of the head with forearms on the ground.
The Sanskrit name used in yoga classes. Widely recognized among yoga practitioners in Japan.
Sirsasana is called the 'king of yoga poses'.
Means 'headstand pose', commonly used in yoga instructions.
Also used in yoga contexts, though シルシャーサナ is more precise.
逆立ち (sakadachi) is the broad term for any inverted balance on hands or head. 頭立ち (atamadachi) specifically means headstand. ヘッドスタンド (heddosutando) is a loanword often used in fitness or yoga. In casual conversation, 逆立ち is most common, but if you need to be precise, use 頭立ち or ヘッドスタンド.
If you say 逆立ち, Japanese speakers will usually understand from context whether you mean handstand or headstand. To be clear, you can say 頭で逆立ちする (do a headstand on the head).
I can do a headstand.
She held a headstand for one minute.
Headstand is an advanced yoga pose.
When doing the headstand pose, be careful of your neck.
The headstand is one of the inversion poses.