1.
to look down; to cast one's eyes downward
To lower one's gaze, typically out of shyness, sadness, shame, or deference. A common expression in literary and everyday descriptions of body language.
彼女は目を伏せた。
She looked down.
恥ずかしくて目を伏せてしまった。
I was so embarrassed that I cast my eyes down.
先生に叱られて、生徒たちは黙って目を伏せるしかなかった。
Scolded by the teacher, the students could only remain silent and look down.
USAGE:
目を伏せる describes lowering the eyes to avoid eye contact. It often conveys emotions such as shame, shyness, sadness, or respect. It is frequently used in literary descriptions and narratives.
CONJUGATION:
The verb 伏せる is ichidan: 伏せる → 伏せない → 伏せた → 伏せて.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 目を逸らす (to avert one's eyes — more active avoidance)
- 俯く (to hang one's head — involves tilting the whole head down)
- 目を落とす (to drop one's gaze — similar but slightly more literary)