Translation guide
How to express 'bend forward' in Japanese, covering physical bending of the body, leaning forward, and bowing.
To physically bend the upper body forward, often from a standing or sitting position.
General term for bending forward, often used in exercise or stretching contexts.
Every morning, I bend forward and stretch.
Literally 'bend the body forward'. A straightforward, descriptive phrase.
Bend forward and touch your toes.
Specifically refers to bending at the waist/hips. Often used for bowing or stooping.
When bowing, you bend at the waist.
To incline the upper body forward without necessarily bending the spine, often to get closer to something.
Describes leaning forward, often with a slightly hunched posture. Common in daily conversation.
He leaned forward and peered at the screen.
To lean forward eagerly, often from a seated position. Implies interest or urgency.
To lean forward, sometimes to the point of falling. Can be used literally or figuratively (e.g., being too eager).
To bend forward as a formal greeting, apology, or show of respect.
The standard term for bowing. Used in formal and everyday situations.
Japanese people bow when greeting.
A slight bow, often used in passing or as a casual greeting. Less formal than お辞儀.
A deep, formal bow showing the highest respect. Used in very formal ceremonies or apologies.
To have a permanently bent-forward posture, often associated with old age or poor posture.
前屈する is a deliberate bending forward, often as an exercise. 前かがみになる is a more passive leaning forward, often due to posture or to see something better.
I do forward bending exercises every day.
Leaning forward to read books will ruin your eyesight.
The English loanword 'ベンドフォワード' is not used in Japanese. Use the native expressions above.
She leaned forward, interested in the story.
The passengers lurched forward due to the sudden braking.
I gave a slight bow to my boss in the hallway.
We made a deep bow to the guests at the ceremony.
I developed a hunched back from using my smartphone too much.