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.
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.
彼は上司に土下座して謝った。
He kowtowed to his boss to apologize.
Verb phrase meaning 'to perform dogeza'. Commonly used to describe the action.
不祥事の責任を取って、社長が土下座をした。
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.
家臣は将軍の前に平伏した。
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.
彼は上司にぺこぺこしている。
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.
彼のごますりにはうんざりだ。
I'm sick of his kowtowing (flattery).
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.
彼は上司の前で卑屈になる。
He becomes obsequious (kowtows) in front of his boss.
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.
彼は上司にぺこぺこしている。
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's always kowtowing to those in power.