Translation guide
The act of kneeling and bowing deeply to show extreme respect, submission, or worship. In Japanese culture, this is often associated with the formal bow called 'dogeza', but the English word 'kowtowing' can also be used figuratively to mean showing excessive deference or subservience.
literal kowtow (deep bow)
Kneeling and bowing with head to ground.
figurative kowtow (act servile)
Casual; implies fawning or groveling.
To describe the physical act of kneeling and bowing until one's head touches the ground, as a gesture of utmost respect or apology.
The standard Japanese term for kneeling on the ground and bowing deeply, often with the forehead touching the floor. Used in formal apologies or to beg for forgiveness.
He kowtowed to his boss to apologize.
Verb phrase meaning 'to perform dogeza'. Commonly used to describe the action.
Taking responsibility for the scandal, the company president kowtowed.
A more formal or historical term for prostrating oneself, often used in contexts of worship or extreme submission to a lord.
The retainer kowtowed before the shogun.
To express the idea of showing overly submissive or servile behavior, often to gain favor or avoid conflict, without the literal physical action.
An onomatopoeic verb meaning to bow repeatedly or to act obsequiously. It conveys a sense of fawning or groveling in a servile manner.
He's always kowtowing to his boss.
Literally 'sesame grinding', this noun/verb refers to flattery or brown-nosing. It implies insincere praise to curry favor, similar to figurative kowtowing.
A verb meaning to fawn on, flatter, or curry favor with someone. It carries a negative connotation of insincere subservience.
Means 'to become obsequious' or 'to act servile'. Describes a state of excessive humility or submissiveness.
土下座 specifically refers to the physical act of kneeling and bowing. For figurative 'kowtowing' (excessive flattery or subservience), use expressions like ぺこぺこする or 媚びる.
He's always kowtowing to his boss.
土下座 is a very serious gesture in Japan, often used in extreme apologies or to beg for forgiveness. It is not a casual bow and can be seen as dramatic or even humiliating. In modern times, it's sometimes performed publicly by executives during scandals.
He kowtowed to the emperor.
Historical/literary context.
Stop kowtowing to the boss and speak your mind.
Casual, figurative use.
彼のごますりにはうんざりだ。
I'm sick of his kowtowing (flattery).
彼は権力者に媚びてばかりいる。
He's always kowtowing to those in power.
He becomes obsequious (kowtows) in front of his boss.