Translation guide
The act of resting on one or both knees. In Japanese, the most common and culturally significant form is 正座 (seiza), the formal, upright kneeling posture. Other terms describe the action of kneeling down, being on one's knees, or kneeling in specific contexts.
The traditional Japanese way of sitting on the floor with legs folded underneath, often in formal settings, martial arts, or traditional ceremonies.
The standard term for the formal kneeling-sitting posture. It implies both the action of sitting in this way and the state of being seated thus. Used in contexts like tea ceremony, martial arts, and formal dining.
I sit in seiza on the tatami.
Greet someone while sitting in seiza.
Verb phrase meaning 'to sit in seiza' or 'to assume the seiza posture'. Often used when instructing or describing the action.
Please sit in seiza when the teacher enters.
The physical movement of going down onto one's knees, often from a standing position.
To kneel down, often on one or both knees. Can imply a gesture of supplication, respect, or submission. Used in both literal and figurative contexts.
He knelt before the king.
Literally 'to put one's knees on the ground'. A more physical description of kneeling down, often used in everyday speech. Can also mean to give in or admit defeat in a metaphorical sense.
Exhausted, I knelt down on the spot.
Literally 'to fold one's knees'. A more literary or poetic expression for kneeling down, often implying a graceful or deliberate action.
The state of resting on the knees, not necessarily in the formal seiza posture.
The state of being on one's knees with the upper body upright. Often used in contexts like martial arts, exercise, or when reaching for something low.
Wait in a kneeling position.
Get on my knees and search under the shelf.
To be on one's knees with the knees raised (not sitting back on the heels). Often used when describing a crouching or ready position.
He was sitting with his knees up.
A deep, prostrate kneeling bow used to express extreme apology or supplication.
The act of kneeling on the ground and bowing deeply until one's head touches the floor. A dramatic gesture of apology or entreaty, often seen in historical dramas or extreme modern situations.
He apologized by prostrating himself (dogeza).
正座 (seiza) is a specific formal sitting posture with legs folded under the body, while 跪く (hizamazuku) and 膝をつく (hiza o tsuku) refer to the action of kneeling down, often on one or both knees. 跪く can carry a nuance of supplication or reverence, whereas 膝をつく is more neutral and physical. 土下座 (dogeza) is an extreme form of kneeling apology.
In English, 'kneeling' can sometimes describe a casual posture on the floor, but in Japanese, 正座 is a formal, culturally loaded posture. For casual sitting on the floor, use 座る (suwaru) or あぐらをかく (agura o kaku, sitting cross-legged).
Kneel to offer a prayer.
彼は痛みで膝をついた。
He fell to his knees in pain.
彼女は祭壇の前で静かに膝を折った。
She quietly knelt before the altar.
There's no need to apologize so abjectly (lit. to the point of dogeza).