kowtow background

kowtow

/ˈkaʊˌtaʊ/

Illustration kowtow - Image 1

Illustration kowtow - Image 2

noun

叩头, 磕头

The act of kowtowing.

Examples :

"The student's kowtow to the teacher's every command showed a lack of independent thought. "

这个学生对老师的每道命令都磕头如捣蒜，表明他缺乏独立思考。

culture ritual action society tradition attitude

Illustration kowtow - Image 1

Illustration kowtow - Image 2

verb

磕头，卑躬屈膝，奴颜婢膝。

To grovel, act in a very submissive manner.

Examples :

"The student kowtowed to the teacher, hoping to avoid a punishment. "

那个学生为了避免惩罚，对老师卑躬屈膝地求饶。

attitude action character society

Illustration kowtow - Image 1

Illustration kowtow - Image 2

verb

叩头，磕头。

To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.

Examples :

"The visiting dignitaries refused to kowtow to the emperor, considering it a sign of excessive submission. "

来访的贵宾拒绝向皇帝磕头，认为这是一种过度屈服的表现。

culture ritual tradition religion society action

Illustration kowtow - Image 1

Illustration kowtow - Image 2

verb

叩头，磕头

To bow very deeply.

Examples :

"The new employee had to kowtow to the CEO during the important business meeting. "

在重要的商务会议上，那位新员工不得不向CEO深深地鞠躬，甚至差点磕头。

culture ritual action attitude