Kowtow - Wikipedia The man was paying his respects to the deceased by kowtowing at the graveyard The kowtow is still used as part of a formal induction ceremony in certain traditional trades that involve apprenticeship or discipleship
KOWTOW Definition Meaning - Merriam-Webster Kowtow originated as a noun referring to the act of kneeling and touching one's head to the ground as a salute or act of worship to a revered authority
KOWTOW Definition Meaning | Dictionary. com to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc , especially in former Chinese custom the act of kowtowing First recorded in 1795–1805, kowtow is from the Chinese word kòutóu, literally, “knock (one's) head”
Kowtowing - definition of kowtowing by The Free Dictionary 1 to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference 2 to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, respect, etc , esp in former Chinese custom n 3 the act of kowtowing
What does It Mean to Kowtow? (with picture) - Cultural World To kowtow, someone kneels, and then bends his or her forehead to the floor The posture is extremely submissive, leaving the back of the neck vulnerable, and it is therefore a mark of extreme respect and submission
Kowtow - Showing due respect in China - Chinasage The kowtow is the ancient Chinese way of showing respect, reverence and gratitude ‘Kowtow’ is the Cantonese spelling of the pinyin kòutóu 叩 头 which means literally ‘ knock head ’ Some say that a proper kowtow requires the sound of the skull hitting the ground to be heard
What Does Kowtowing Mean? [Updated On - 2026] - winchhubs Kowtowing is a traditional Chinese custom in which people bow deeply to show respect It is often done in front of important people, such as the Emperor of China, as well as for religious and cultural objects of worship