1.
humble, modest, polite in manner
Describes someone who behaves with humility and politeness, not putting on airs despite their status.
あの人は腰が低い。
That person is humble.
腰が低い態度で接客する。
To serve customers with a humble attitude.
有名になっても腰が低いままだ。
Even after becoming famous, they remain modest.
社長なのに腰が低くて、社員みんなから好かれている。
Despite being the president, he's so humble that all the employees like him.
腰が低い人は信頼されやすい。偉そうにしないから、話しやすいのだろう。
Humble people tend to be trusted. It's probably because they don't act arrogant, which makes them easy to talk to.
STRUCTURE: 腰 (waist/hip) + が + 低い (low). The image is of bowing low - a sign of humility and respect in Japanese culture.
ANTONYM: 腰が高い (arrogant, haughty)
POSITIVE CONNOTATION: In Japanese culture, being 腰が低い is generally seen as virtuous, especially for people in positions of power or fame.
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 謙虚 (humble, modest) - adjective
- 横柄 (arrogant) - opposite trait
- 偉ぶらない (not putting on airs)
CONTRAST WITH 腰 EXPRESSIONS:
- 腰が低い: humble manner
- 腰が重い: slow to act, reluctant
- 腰を据える: to settle down and commit
Related Words
Antonym:
横柄 (arrogant)