匔 (gōng) - To bow respectfully & to make a deep bow with the head

匔Tone 1

gōng ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

匔 · gōng

To bow respectfully;

to make a deep bow with the head touching the ground.

To bow respectfullyto make a deep bow with the head

Usage highlights

To bow respectfullyDeep ceremonial bowTo kowtowReverent bowingNinefold bowing ceremonyTo prostrate oneself

Synonyms

  • 叩— to kowtow; to knock head
  • 拜— to bow; to worship
  • 揖— to bow with hands clasped

Antonyms

  • 立— to stand (opposite of bowing)
  • 昂— to raise head high (opposite of bowing low)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He bowed deeply in respect (匔匔而拜).
  • The ritual required a ceremonial bow (行匔礼).
  • They performed the traditional kowtow (行三匔九拜之礼).

Collocations

  • To bow respectfully(匔拜)
  • Deep ceremonial bow(匔礼)
  • To kowtow(匔首)
  • Reverent bowing(匔匔)
  • Ninefold bowing ceremony(九匔)
  • To prostrate oneself(匔伏)

Idioms

  • Bowing repeatedly with utmost respect(三匔九拜)
  • Bowing deeply and knocking the head(匔首再拜)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Represents the highest form of respect in traditional Chinese etiquette, used in ceremonial contexts.
  • Associated with ancient court rituals and religious ceremonies where deep reverence was required.
  • The character structure reflects the action of bowing with the body curved and head lowered.

FAQ