Translation guide
The English verb 'kneel' refers to the action of going down on one or both knees. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ひざまずく, but the specific word or phrase depends on the context, such as the reason for kneeling (prayer, apology, ceremony, etc.) and the posture (one knee vs. both knees).
To go down on both knees, often in a formal, serious, or submissive context (prayer, apology, supplication).
The most common and general verb for kneeling on both knees. Often implies a formal or serious act, such as praying or begging.
He knelt and prayed in the church.
I knelt and apologized.
Literally 'to put one's knees (on the ground)'. A common, slightly more casual alternative to ひざまずく. Can be used for both intentional and unintentional kneeling (e.g., from exhaustion).
I was so tired I knelt down.
He knelt on the ground and planted flowers.
To go down on one knee, often for a marriage proposal, being knighted, or a casual resting position.
Specifically means to kneel on one knee. Used for proposals, knighthood ceremonies, or when taking a knee in sports.
He got down on one knee and proposed.
The athlete took a knee and rested.
Literally 'to raise one knee', describing the posture of kneeling on one knee with the other leg bent. Often used for a casual resting pose.
He sat with one knee up (kneeling on one knee).
To sit in the formal Japanese kneeling posture (seiza), which involves kneeling with legs folded underneath.
The standard verb for sitting in the seiza posture. While not exactly 'kneeling' in the Western sense, it is the culturally equivalent formal sitting/kneeling position.
In tea ceremony, we sit in seiza (kneel formally).
It's hard to sit in seiza for a long time.
Literally 'to fold one's knees', a descriptive phrase for assuming a kneeling or seiza position.
To prostrate oneself or kneel and bow deeply as an extreme apology.
The act of kneeling and bowing with one's head to the ground, a traditional extreme apology. Stronger than just kneeling.
He prostrated himself and apologized.
ひざまずく often implies a deliberate, formal act (prayer, submission), while ひざをつく can be used for both intentional and unintentional kneeling (e.g., collapsing from exhaustion). ひざをつく is slightly more common in everyday speech.
In English, 'kneel' can sometimes describe sitting back on one's heels. In Japanese, this is usually 正座 (seiza), not ひざまずく. Use 正座する for the formal sitting posture.
彼はひざを折って座った。
He folded his knees and sat (in a kneeling position).