fu2 sau2俯首

Jyutpingfu2 sau2

Yalefú sáu

動詞

Definition

To bow or lower one's head; to submit, yield, or admit defeat.

to bow or lower one's head
figurativeto submit; to yield; to admit defeat

writtenpeopledescriptions

How it's used

Carries a formal or literary weight that distinguishes it from everyday phrases like 耷低頭. It is frequently used in contexts involving submission, obedience, or acknowledging defeat. While it can describe a physical posture, it is most often employed metaphorically to indicate a loss of pride or a voluntary surrender of authority.

Examples

keoi5佢喺hai2老lou5闆baan2面min6前cin4俯fu2首sau2聽ting3命。

He bows his head and follows orders in front of the boss.

zou6做co3錯si6事zau6就jing1應goi1該fu2俯sau2首jing6認co3錯。

If you do something wrong, you should bow your head and admit it.

Common phrases

fu2俯sau2首cing1稱san4臣

to bow one's head and acknowledge someone as master

fu2俯sau2首ting3聽ming6命

to bow one's head and obey orders

Common mistake

Avoid using this in casual, physical descriptions of someone looking down at their phone or feet, as it sounds overly dramatic and stiff. Use 耷低頭 for mundane physical actions instead.