cover · overturn

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading of 覆 is ふく, and its kun readings are おおう, くつがえす, and くつがえる. It has 18 strokes and relates to covering or overturning.
• Basic usage: 覆う is read おおう, and 覆す is read くつがえす.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 覆う and 覆す
  • 覆う means cover or envelop.
  • 料理が冷めないよう布で器を覆う。 means “I cover the dish with a cloth to keep the food warm.”
  • 覆す means to overturn or to overthrow.
  • 新しい証拠がこれまでの判断を覆した。 means “The new evidence overturned the previous judgment.”