Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Bowing" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "bowing", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
平身低頭
へいしんていとう (heishin teitō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
頓首
とんしゅ
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "bowing" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 平身低頭 and 頓首.
In Japanese, 平身低頭 (へいしんていとう (heishin teitō)) is typically associated with "bowing deeply; kowtowing; abject apology; prostrating oneself" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes bowing so deeply that one's body is bent low and head is bowed, often as a sign of extreme submission, respect, or apology. Implies a very humble or subservient attitude. 「謝る」「頼む」などの動詞と組み合わせて使われることが多い。.
On the other hand, 頓首 (とんしゅ) maps to "bowing one's head to the ground (used in letters to show deep respect)" (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "bowing" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "平身低頭"
彼は失敗を詫びるため、取引先に平身低頭して謝罪した。
He bowed deeply and apologized to his client for the mistake.
Bilingual Context for "頓首"
私は頓首に興味があります。
I am interested in bowing one's head to the ground (used in letters to show deep respect).
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は失敗を詫びるため、取引先に ＿＿＿ して謝罪した。" (Meaning: "He bowed deeply and apologized to his client for the mistake.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "平身低頭" fits here because it means "bowing deeply; kowtowing; abject apology; prostrating oneself" in the context of: "He bowed deeply and apologized to his client for the mistake.". "頓首" represents "bowing one's head to the ground (used in letters to show deep respect)".