両りょう手てを突つく

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-ku)

place both hands on the ground; prostrate oneself

Used in formal apologies, deep gratitude, or earnest requests. The posture conveys extreme respect or contrition. Often seen in the set phrase 両手を突いて謝る.

Written forms

両りょう手てを突つく
Standard kanji spelling.
両りょう手てをつく
Kana spelling of 突く; common in everyday writing.

Kanji

両both, old Japanese coin, counter for carriages (e.g., in a train)
手hand
突stab, protruding, thrust

Similar words

土ど下げ座ざ
土下座 is kneeling and bowing until the forehead touches the ground, a more extreme prostration. 両手を突く is placing both hands on the ground while bowing, often from a seated or kneeling position, and is slightly less intense.
手てを突つく
手を突く means to place one's hands on the ground, often for support or to bow. 両手を突く specifies both hands and emphasizes the formal, apologetic gesture.

Etymology

Compound of 両手 (both hands) + を + 突く (to place, to thrust). The phrase describes the physical action of placing both hands on the ground as a gesture of respect or supplication.