вверх дно́м
vverx dnóm
The English phrase upside down is translated into Russian as вверх дно́м (vverx dnóm). Wiktionary also lists вверх нога́ми (vverx nogámi) and кверх нога́ми (kverx nogámi).
Meaning: inverted (adj)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| вверх дно́м | vverx dnóm | |
| вверх нога́ми | vverx nogámi | |
| кверх нога́ми | kverx nogámi | colloquial |
You can use the phrase to describe something being in an inverted position, or use the related word кувырко́м to describe something being in great disorder.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase вверх дно́м literally means 'upwards bottom'.
Which one should you use?
The choice of phrase depends on the subject: вверх дно́м is typically used for inanimate objects where the base or bottom is now facing up, while вверх нога́ми is used when a person or animal is upside down, literally meaning 'upwards by the feet'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form кверх нога́ми is a colloquial variation of вверх нога́ми.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form вверх нога́ми uses the instrumental case of нога́ (foot) to indicate the position of the body.
How do you pronounce it?
vverx dnóm
Did you know?
- If you describe a person as being вверх дно́м, you are unintentionally implying they are an inanimate object like a bucket or a box. This mistake makes the person sound like a piece of furniture rather than a living being.
- The word кувырко́м describes something 'upside down' in a chaotic sense, often linked to the physical act of somersaulting or tumbling.
- The colloquial form кверх нога́ми replaces the 'v' sound with a 'k' sound, which makes the phrase sound more informal or even slightly old-fashioned to a native ear.
Examples in context
- Все было перевернуто с ног на голову после их приезда.Everything was turned upside down after their arrival.
- Поверни картину вверх ногами, чтобы посмотреть на смешную деталь.Turn the picture upside down to see the funny detail.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “upside down” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
