kai2 sau2稽首
Jyutpingkai2 sau2
Yalekái sáu
Definition
To bow down; to kowtow; to touch one's head to the ground as a deep sign of respect.
writtenother
How it's used
This term is strictly formal and literary, primarily appearing in historical texts, religious contexts, or period dramas. It describes a profound act of respect involving touching the forehead to the ground, which is far more intense than a standard bow. You will almost never hear this used in casual daily conversation.
Examples
He bowed down before the Buddha statue, sincerely praying for peace.
Do people in period dramas have to kowtow when they see the emperor?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common greeting, but using it in a modern social setting would sound extremely bizarre or overly dramatic. It is reserved for specific ceremonial or ritualistic actions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
