Translation guide
In Japanese culture, bowing repeatedly is a common gesture to express deep gratitude, apology, or persistent request. This guide covers natural expressions and cultural notes for an English-speaking learner.
The speaker bows multiple times to convey sincere thanks or a profound apology, often in formal or emotional situations.
A straightforward, neutral description of bowing repeatedly. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
He bowed repeatedly to express his gratitude.
Literally 'to lower one's head repeatedly.' A slightly more formal or literary way to describe the action.
彼女は深く反省し、繰り返し頭を下げた。
She deeply regretted it and bowed her head repeatedly.
Refers to kneeling on the ground and bowing deeply, often repeatedly, as an extreme form of apology. Very formal and dramatic; rarely used in daily life.
彼は許しを請うために土下座をした。
He prostrated himself to beg for forgiveness.
The speaker bows multiple times while making a request, emphasizing earnestness or desperation.
Describes bowing repeatedly while asking for a favor. Common in narratives or explanations.
彼は何度も頭を下げて頼んだが、断られた。
He bowed repeatedly and asked, but was refused.
Literally 'to bow down until the other person gives in.' Implies persistent, almost desperate bowing to get one's way. Colloquial and vivid.
彼に拝み倒されて、つい承諾してしまった。
He bowed and begged so persistently that I ended up agreeing.
The speaker performs repeated bows as part of a formal ceremony, such as at a shrine or tea ceremony.
The standard Shinto shrine etiquette: bow twice, clap twice, bow once. Often involves repeated bowing.
神社では二礼二拍手一礼の作法でお参りします。
At a shrine, we worship with the ritual of two bows, two claps, and one bow.
A traditional wedding ritual where the couple takes three sips from three cups, accompanied by repeated bows. Not a direct translation but culturally associated with repeated bowing.
In Japan, bowing repeatedly can be seen as either deeply sincere or overly dramatic depending on the context. In business or formal apologies, a single deep bow is often sufficient; repeated bowing may be used in very serious situations or by someone in a lower position. Overusing it can appear insincere or comical.
English phrases like 'bowing repeatedly' are rarely used in casual conversation. In Japanese, describing the action directly (e.g., 何度もお辞儀をする) is fine for narration, but in everyday talk, you might just say '何度も謝った' (apologized many times) without specifying the bowing.
結婚式で三々九度の杯を交わす。
They exchange nuptial cups in the san-san-kudo ceremony.