頭(あたま)が下(さ)がる

あたまがさがる

expression

to be filled with admiration; to take one's hat off to

1. to be filled with admiration; to take one's hat off to; to feel deep respect

To feel admiration and respect for someone's effort, dedication, or kindness, as if one's head bowed of its own accord.

本当(ほんとう)に頭(あたま)が下(さ)がる。

I really take my hat off to them.

彼(かれ)の努力(どりょく)には頭(あたま)が下(さ)がります。

I have deep respect for his hard work.

I'm full of admiration for the volunteers who stand on the school route every morning watching over the children.

Uses the intransitive 下(さ)がる: the head lowers by itself out of respect. The person admired is marked with には.

頭(あたま)を下(さ)げる: to bow; to apologise or ask a favour — a deliberate action, not a feeling
感心(かんしん)する: to be impressed — plainer
頭(あたま)が上(あ)がらない: to be unable to hold one's head up (because one owes someone), a different feeling

Related Words

general

Added 2026.9.28 9:59 · Revised 2026.9.28 9:59

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