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.
毎朝、前屈してストレッチをします。
Every morning, I bend forward and stretch.
Literally 'bend the body forward'. A straightforward, descriptive phrase.
体を前に曲げて、つま先に触ってください。
Bend forward and touch your toes.
Specifically refers to bending at the waist/hips. Often used for bowing or stooping.
お辞儀をするときは腰を曲げます。
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.
彼は前かがみになって、画面をのぞき込んだ。
He leaned forward and peered at the screen.
To lean forward eagerly, often from a seated position. Implies interest or urgency.
彼女は話に興味を持って、身を乗り出した。
She leaned forward, interested in the story.
To lean forward, sometimes to the point of falling. Can be used literally or figuratively (e.g., being too eager).
急ブレーキで乗客が前のめりになった。
The passengers lurched forward due to the sudden braking.
To bend forward as a formal greeting, apology, or show of respect.
The standard term for bowing. Used in formal and everyday situations.
日本人は挨拶のときにお辞儀をします。
Japanese people bow when greeting.
A slight bow, often used in passing or as a casual greeting. Less formal than お辞儀.
廊下で上司に会釈した。
I gave a slight bow to my boss in the hallway.
A deep, formal bow showing the highest respect. Used in very formal ceremonies or apologies.
式典で来賓に最敬礼した。
We made a deep bow to the guests at the ceremony.
To have a permanently bent-forward posture, often associated with old age or poor posture.
Describes a stooped back, literally 'the waist bends'. Commonly used for elderly people.
祖母は腰が曲がっている。
My grandmother is bent forward (with age).
To have a hunched back like a cat. Refers to poor posture, not necessarily age-related.
スマホの使いすぎで猫背になった。
I developed a hunched back from using my smartphone too much.
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.
前屈運動を毎日やっています。
I do forward bending exercises every day.
前かがみで本を読むと目が悪くなるよ。
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.