鞠躬 jūgōng to bow
to bow; (literary) to bend down
How to remember 鞠躬: 鞠 to bow + 躬 to bow = to bow.
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How it is used
- To bow (from the waist) as a gesture of respect - 向观众鞠躬 (xiàng guānzhòng jūgōng) to bow to the audience.
- A verb-object phrase (鞠了一躬); the formal East Asian respectful bow, at ceremonies, on stage, at funerals.
- Also in 鞠躬尽瘁 (to devote oneself utterly). Contrast 点头 (nod) or 下跪 (kneel) - 鞠躬 is the standing bend.