kowtow; worship
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to kowtow; to prostrate oneself in worship or respect
formalRefers to the traditional act of kneeling and touching one's forehead to the ground as a sign of deep respect, submission, or worship. Commonly used in historical, religious, or formal ceremonial contexts.
Zài在
gǔ古
dài代
，
chén臣
zǐ子
yào要
xiàng向
huáng皇
dì帝
kòu叩
bài拜
。
In ancient times, ministers had to kowtow to the emperor.
Xìn信
tú徒
men们
zài在
shén神
xiàng像
qián前
qián虔
chéng诚
dì地
kòu叩
bài拜
。
The devotees piously kowtowed before the idol.
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Hūn婚
lǐ礼
shàng上
，
xīn新
rén人
xiàng向
fù父
mǔ母
kòu叩
bài拜
yǐ以
shì示
gǎn感
ēn恩
。
During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom kowtow to their parents to show gratitude.
Zhè这
shì是
yī一
zhǒng种
biǎo表
shì示
zuì最
gāo高
jìng敬
yì意
de的
kòu叩
bài拜
lǐ礼
jié节
。
This is a kowtow ritual that expresses the highest respect.