頭(あたま)を下(さ)げる

あたまをさげる
expression
to bow; to apologize humbly
culture
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 words

  • 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

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: お辞儀(じぎ) (to bow)
Compare: 項垂(うなだ)れる (to hang one's head)
Compare: 頭(あたま)が下(さ)がる (to be filled with admiration)

Related Articles

Body-Part Idioms
general
Added 2026.5.5 20:10 · Revised 2026.9.28 9:58
26500/26795_atamawosageru