1.
kneeling on the ground; prostrating oneself
The act of kneeling on the ground and pressing one's forehead to the floor as an extreme gesture of apology, gratitude, or supplication. One of the most dramatic forms of showing deference in Japanese culture.
彼は土下座して謝った。
He prostrated himself on the ground and apologized.
土下座されても許せない。
I can't forgive them even if they prostrate themselves.
社長が記者会見で土下座する姿がニュースになった。
The sight of the company president prostrating himself at the press conference became news.
USAGE:
Performed by dropping to the knees and pressing the forehead to the ground with hands flat on the floor. It represents the most extreme form of apology or plea in Japanese culture. In modern usage, it sometimes appears in exaggerated or humorous contexts as well.
The verb form is 土下座する.
CULTURE:
Historically, 土下座 was performed before feudal lords and officials as a sign of absolute submission. In modern Japan, it is reserved for the most serious apologies or desperate pleas. Forcing someone to perform 土下座 can constitute a criminal offense (強要罪).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 土下座して謝る (to prostrate and apologize)
- 土下座して頼む (to prostrate and beg)
- 土下座を強要する (to force someone to prostrate)