頭(あたま)を下(さ)げる

あたまをさげる
expression
to bow; to apologize humbly
1. to bow; to lower one's head
The physical act of bowing — lowering one's head as a gesture of greeting, respect, or gratitude.
深(ふか)く頭(あたま)を下(さ)げた。
He bowed deeply.
先生(せんせい)に会(あ)ったら頭(あたま)を下(さ)げなさい。
Bow when you see your teacher.
彼(かれ)の努力(どりょく)には頭(あたま)が下(さ)がる。
I take my hat off to his effort.
2. to apologize humbly; to beg; to ask a favor
Figuratively, to humble oneself before someone, typically to apologize, make a request, or show deference.
客(きゃく)に頭(あたま)を下(さ)げて謝(あやま)った。
I bowed to the customer and apologized.
何度(なんど)も頭(あたま)を下(さ)げて頼(たの)み込(こ)んだ。
I bowed repeatedly and begged.
上司(じょうし)に頭(あたま)を下(さ)げてでも許可(きょか)をもらわなければならない。
I have to humble myself before my boss to get permission, even if it means begging.

A fundamental expression in Japanese culture where bowing carries deep social meaning. The physical act and the figurative meaning of humbling oneself are closely linked.

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • 頭(あたま)が下(さ)がる: to feel admiration/respect (intransitive — involuntary feeling)
  • 頭(あたま)を下(さ)げる: to bow/humble oneself (transitive — deliberate action)

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 深(ふか)く頭(あたま)を下(さ)げる: to bow deeply
  • 何度(なんど)も頭(あたま)を下(さ)げる: to bow repeatedly
  • 頭(あたま)を下(さ)げて頼(たの)む: to bow and make a request
  • 頭(あたま)を下(さ)げて謝(あやま)る: to bow and apologize

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • お辞儀(じぎ)する: to bow — the standard neutral word for bowing
  • 平身低頭(へいしんていとう)する: to prostrate oneself — extreme humility; very formal
  • 腰(こし)を低(ひく)くする: to lower one's stance — figuratively, to be humble in dealings
general
Added 2026.5.5 20:10
26500/26795_atamawosageru