Bow down Meaning in English
expression
ˈbaʊ/, /ˈboʊ/ /ˈdaʊn
BOW down
bəʊ/ /dˈaʊn
BOH down
Definition
To lower your upper body as a sign of respect or to physically bend. It can also mean to submit or give in to someone or something.
Usage & Nuances
Can be literal (physically bending) or figurative (showing submission). Often used in religious, formal, or poetic contexts. 'Bow down to' can suggest respect or, negatively, enforced submission. Not used casually.
Spanish: inclinarse - rendirsePortuguese (BR): abaixar-se - curvar-se - render-sePortuguese (PT): baixar-se - curvar-se - render-seChinese (Simplified): 鞠躬 - 低头 - 屈服Chinese (Traditional): 鞠躬 - 低頭 - 屈服Hindi: झुकना - हार माननाArabic: ينحني - يخضعBengali: নত হওয়া - মাথা নত করা (সম্মান বা অনুগত্যে)Russian: поклониться - склониться (в знак уважения или подчинения)Japanese: ひれ伏す - おじぎをするVietnamese: cúi đầu - khuất phụcKorean: 머리를 숙이다 - 굴복하다Turkish: eğilmek - boyun eğmekUrdu: جھکنا - سر جھکاناIndonesian: menunduk - tunduk
Example Sentences
People bow down when they enter the temple.
basic
You should never bow down to unfair rules.
basic
Some cultures bow down to greet elders.
basic
I refuse to bow down to pressure from my boss.
natural
No one should have to bow down just to fit in.
natural
He made everyone bow down before the king.
natural