Translation guide
How to express the action of turning something upside down, or the state of being upside down, in Japanese.
To physically flip an object so that its top becomes the bottom.
The most common and versatile verb for flipping something over or turning it upside down. Can be used for objects, situations, etc.
I turned the box upside down and emptied its contents.
Flip the card over.
Literally 'make it upside down'. Emphasizes the resulting inverted state. Slightly more descriptive than ひっくり返す.
I hung the picture upside down on the wall.
Specifically means to turn something inside out or flip to the reverse side. Often used for clothing, paper, etc. Not always a full upside-down flip, but can overlap.
Turn the socks inside out.
To describe something turning upside down by itself or being in an upside-down state.
To completely change or disrupt a situation, system, or way of thinking.
Also used figuratively to mean overturning a decision, theory, or common sense.
An invention that turns common sense upside down.
Formal/literary term for overturning (a decision, theory, government, etc.). Stronger nuance of complete reversal.
To ransack or search a place by turning everything upside down.
Literally 'search by turning upside down'. Used when someone rummages through belongings.
I turned the room upside down looking for the keys.
ひっくり返す focuses on the action of flipping, while 逆さまにする focuses on the resulting upside-down state. Both are common, but ひっくり返す is more colloquial and versatile.
I knocked the cup over (action).
I placed the cup upside down (state).
The car flipped over.
Overturn the verdict.