Meaning
Here, we explore 伏 (fusu, fuku), a versatile N1 kanji. At its core, 伏 means 'to prostrate oneself,' 'to lie down,' 'to crouch,' or 'to stoop.' It often implies a low, hidden, or submissive posture. Imagine an animal lying low in the grass, a person bowing deeply in respect, or an army setting an ambush. This single kanji effectively captures the nuance of being low, concealed, or in a state of submission or readiness.
Its visual story is quite intuitive. The kanji 伏 combines two parts: 亻 (ninben), the 'person' radical on the left, and 弋 (shiki or yoku), which originally depicted a 'short spear' or 'arrow tied with a string.' Together, these components vividly illustrate a person (亻) in a low position, perhaps like a spear or arrow pointing downwards. This conveys the image of someone lying flat, crouching to hide, or even in a state of surrender. The visual shape directly reinforces its meanings of 'prostrate,' 'crouch,' and 'hide.'
This kanji has 6 strokes and is a Jouyou Kanji. It's typically learned in secondary education rather than elementary school, aligning with its N1 classification. Understanding its components provides a strong foundation for remembering its diverse applications!
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi reading for 伏 is フク (FUKU). This reading originates from ancient Chinese pronunciation and is primarily used in compound words. These compounds often express concepts related to hiding, ambushing, or submitting.
- 降伏 (kōfuku) — surrender, capitulation. For example, an army lying low in defeat.
- 潜伏 (senpuku) — lurking, lying hidden, taking cover. This is used when someone hides stealthily, like a spy.
- 起伏 (kifuku) — undulation, ups and downs, fluctuations. Here, 伏 specifically represents the 'downs' or low points, contrasting with 'rise' (起).
- 感伏 (kanpuku) — deep admiration, being impressed to the point of submission or prostration.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings for 伏 are ふす (fusu) and ふせる (fuseru). These are native Japanese verb readings, each offering distinct nuances of action and state related to the kanji's core meaning.
ふす (fusu): This is an intransitive verb, meaning 'to lie prostrate,' 'to lie down,' 'to crouch,' or 'to bend over.' It describes a state of being in a low position, often by oneself, without a direct object.
うつ伏す (utsufusu) — to lie face down. You might say 彼はうつ伏して寝ている (Kare wa utsuushite nete iru, "He is sleeping face down").
地に伏す (chi ni fusu) — to lie on the ground. For instance, 彼は地面に伏した (Kare wa jimen ni fushita, "He lay prostrate on the ground").
身を伏す (mi o fusu) — to lie low, to hide oneself (often literally by crouching). Example: 危険を避けるため身を伏せた (Kiken o sakeru tame mi o fuseta, "I crouched down to avoid danger").
ふせる (fuseru): This is a transitive verb, meaning 'to lay (something) face down,' 'to turn (something) over,' or 'to hide/cover (something).' It implies an action performed on an object or oneself.
Common Words & Compounds
This section discusses common words and compounds using 伏. We've categorized them by thematic usage to help you grasp the different facets of its meaning.
Actions of Lying/Crouching
- うつ伏す (utsufusu) — to lie face down. Essential for describing a prone position.
- 身を伏せる (mi o fuseru) — to lie low, to hide oneself. Often used in contexts of caution or evasion.
- 伏す (fusu) — to lie prostrate, to crouch (intransitive). The basic verb for the action.
- 伏せる (fuseru) — to lay face down, to turn over (transitive). For when you actively place something face down.
Concealment & Strategy
- 潜伏 (senpuku) — lurking, lying hidden. Crucial for describing secret operations or hiding from view, like a suspect in hiding.
- 伏兵 (fukuhei) — ambush, hidden troops. A direct application of the 'hide' meaning in military strategy.
- 伏線 (fukusen) — foreshadowing, a hidden clue. In narratives, it refers to elements laid 'underneath' the surface, designed to be revealed later.
Submission & Condition
- 降伏 (kōfuku) — surrender, capitulation. When one submits to a superior force, often in war.
- 起伏 (kifuku) — undulation, ups and downs, fluctuations. Describes varying levels, both physical (e.g., terrain) and metaphorical (e.g., emotions).
- 平伏 (heifuku) — prostration, kowtowing. To bow so low that one's forehead touches the ground, an act of extreme respect or submission.
Expression & Respect
- 感伏 (kanpuku) — admiration, being impressed by. Feeling so impressed that one 'bows down' in reverence.
- 伏し拝む (fushiogamu) — to prostrate oneself in prayer/worship. A deeply respectful way to pray or show reverence, such as before a deity or a shrine.
Example Sentences
猫は日向で心地良さそうに伏せていた。
Neko wa hinata de kokochiyosou ni fusete ita.
The cat was lying down comfortably in the sun.
強風のため、人々は身を伏せて進んだ。
Kyōfū no tame, hitobito wa mi o fusete susunda.
Due to the strong winds, people crouched down and advanced.
彼は恥ずかしさのあまり、顔を伏せたまま話さなかった。
Kare wa hazukashisa no amari, kao o fuseta mama hanasanakatta.
He was so ashamed that he didn't speak, keeping his face down.
歴史の中には、多くの英雄が潜伏していた期間があった。
Rekishi no naka ni wa, ōku no eiyū ga senpuku shite ita kikan ga atta.
Throughout history, there were periods when many heroes were in hiding (lying low).
激しい雨が降り出し、子供たちは軒下に身を伏せた。
Hageshii ame ga furidashi, kodomo-tachi wa nokishita ni mi o fuseta.
A heavy rain started, and the children crouched under the eaves.
山道の起伏が激しく、自転車での走行は困難だった。
Yamamichi no kifuku ga hageshiku, jitensha de no sōkō wa konnan datta.
The mountain path had steep ups and downs, making cycling difficult.
小説の序盤に張られた伏線が、終盤で見事に回収された。
Shōsetsu no joban ni harareta fukusen ga, shūban de migoto ni kaishū sareta.
The foreshadowing laid in the early part of the novel was brilliantly resolved in the climax.
敵国は最終的に無条件降伏を受け入れた。
Tekikoku wa saishūteki ni mujōken kōfuku o ukeireta.
The enemy nation ultimately accepted unconditional surrender.
彼の並ならぬ努力に、皆が感伏した。
Kare no naminaranu doryoku ni, mina ga kanpuku shita.
Everyone was deeply impressed by his extraordinary effort.
Memory Tip
To remember 伏, focus on its two parts: 亻 (ninben), representing a 'person,' and 弋, which originally depicted a 'short spear' or 'arrow tied with a string.' Visualize a person (亻) lying low, as if crouching with a spear (弋) held downwards, ready to ambush or hide. Alternatively, imagine a person so humble they are bent low like a discarded spear on the ground. This image directly connects to 伏's core meanings of 'prostrate,' 'crouch,' and 'hide.'