鞠躬

• Pinyin: jū gōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 鞠 = 革 (leather) + 匊 (phonetic) — to bend, to bow; 躬 = 身 (body) + 弓 (bow/arch) — body, to bend oneself

Meaning

To bow; a bow (as a gesture of respect, gratitude, or apology).

The act of bending the upper body forward as a formal or ceremonial gesture. In Chinese and East Asian culture, bowing is used to show respect to elders and superiors, to express gratitude (as performers do on stage), or to offer a sincere apology. The depth and duration of the bow signal the degree of formality or emotion. Also appears in the idiom 鞠躬尽瘁 (to give one's all, to serve with total dedication).

Examples

1. 演出结束后，演员们走到台前深深鞠躬，向给予全场热烈掌声的观众致谢。 After the performance ended, the actors walked to the front of the stage and bowed deeply to thank the audience for their warm applause throughout.
2. 他向多年悉心指导自己的恩师深深鞠了一躬，表达由衷的感激之情。 He bowed deeply to the mentor who had guided him with great care over the years, expressing his heartfelt gratitude.
3. 在日本，鞠躬是最基本的日常礼节，弯腰的角度和时长因场合不同而大有讲究。 In Japan, bowing is the most fundamental everyday courtesy; the angle and duration of the bow vary considerably depending on the occasion.

Usage Guide

Context: ceremony, performance, etiquette, apology, gratitude

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 他走上台领奖，向台下观众深深鞠了一躬，全场掌声雷动。(He walked up to receive his award and bowed deeply to the audience — the applause was thunderous.)
• 经理当众向客户鞠躬道歉，诚恳地承认了公司的失误。(The manager bowed and apologised to the client in front of everyone, sincerely acknowledging the company's mistake.)

Don't Say

• 他鞠躬了一个点头来表示同意。(鞠躬 is a full-body forward bow, not a nod — for nodding in agreement, use 点头; for a slight forward inclination, use 欠身 or 微微弯腰)

Origin & History

鞠 (to bend, to stoop — 革 leather + 匊 phonetic) + 躬 (body, oneself — 身 body + 弓 bow/arch, suggesting a bent posture). Together: to bend one's body. An ancient gesture documented in classical Chinese ritual texts.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient Chinese and East Asian ritual

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal