三さん拝ぱい九きゅう拝はい

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

kowtowing; bowing repeatedly; three kneelings and nine prostrations

Refers to an elaborate, highly respectful bowing ritual, historically involving three kneelings and nine prostrations. Used figuratively for extreme deference or groveling.

• 彼かれは上じょう司しに三さん拝ぱい九きゅう拝はいして謝あやまった。

  He apologized to his boss with extreme bowing and scraping.

noun

my deepest respects (at the end of a letter)

A formal closing phrase used in traditional letters, expressing profound respect. Rare in modern correspondence.

• 手て紙がみの末まつ尾びに「三さん拝ぱい九きゅう拝はい」と記しるすのは、非ひ常じょうに丁てい重ちょうな結むすびの言こと葉ばである。

  Writing 'sanpai kyūhai' at the end of a letter is a very polite closing phrase.