Translation guide
Describes a position where the front of the body is facing downward. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with the word うつ伏せ (うつぶせ), but there are also related terms for lying flat, prostrating, or being face-down in specific contexts.
To describe a person or animal lying with the front of the body facing down, such as sleeping on one's stomach or lying flat on the ground.
The most common and natural way to say 'lying face down'. It can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'lie face down'. Often used for sleeping positions, resting, or being in a prone position.
He is sleeping lying face down.
Please lie face down.
Verb phrase meaning 'to lie face down' or 'to get into a face-down position'.
I was tired, so I lay face down for a while.
Kanji form of うつ伏せ, less common but still used. Same meaning and usage.
Reading a book lying face down is bad for your eyes.
To describe being completely flat on the ground with face down, often implying collapse, defeat, or extreme tiredness.
Literally 'to lie face down as if collapsing'. Conveys falling forward onto one's face from exhaustion or shock.
He was so exhausted that he collapsed face down.
To prostrate oneself, lying flat face down as a sign of deep respect, apology, or submission. Very formal and traditional.
Used in medical or technical contexts to describe a prone position, such as during surgery or examination.
Medical term for 'prone position'. Used in clinical settings.
During the surgery, the patient was placed in a prone position.
Avoid literal translations like 顔を下にして横たわる (かおをしたにしてよこたわる). While understandable, it sounds unnatural. Use うつ伏せ instead.
I like sleeping on my stomach.
王の前で平伏した。
He prostrated himself before the king.