kau3 tau4叩頭叩头
Jyutpingkau3 tau4
Yalekau tàuh
Definition
To kowtow; to kneel and touch one's forehead to the ground to show respect, worship, or gratitude.
neutraldaily actionspeople
How it's used
Carries a heavy sense of solemnity and is rarely performed in modern daily life outside of specific traditional ceremonies. It is frequently used metaphorically in casual speech to describe someone begging or pleading desperately for forgiveness or a favor.
Examples
He is kowtowing in front of the ancestral tablet.
Related words
Common phrases
kowtow to ancestors
kowtow to beg for mercy
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simple kneeling or bowing, as it specifically requires the forehead to touch the ground. Using it to describe a standard bow is inaccurate and may sound overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
