also: こごむ · くぐむ
godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
stoop; lean over; bend forward
Describes bending the upper body forward or downward, often from a standing position, without necessarily lowering the hips fully.
彼は靴ひもを結ぶためにかがんだ。
He stooped to tie his shoelaces.
低いドアを通るときはかがまなければならない。
You have to bend down when passing through the low door.
godan verb (-mu), intransitive verb
Refers to lowering the body by bending the knees and hips, often to get closer to the ground or to hide.
子供たちは花をよく見るためにかがんだ。
The children crouched down to get a better look at the flowers.
彼は隠れるために茂みの後ろにかがんだ。
He crouched behind the bushes to hide.