Word Detail

The word 土下座 (どげざ) refers to a deep bow performed by kneeling and touching one's head to the ground. It is a gesture of extreme apology, respect, or supplication. It signifies the highest level of humility and deference. It's often used when someone has caused significant offense, made a serious mistake, or is begging for forgiveness. It is a very serious and formal gesture.

⚫︎今回の件では、深く土下座してお詫び申し上げます。 Translation: I offer my deepest apologies and beg your forgiveness regarding this matter. ⚫︎社長は取引先に土下座して、契約を維持しようとした。 Translation: The president performed a 土下座 to the business partner in an attempt to maintain the contract. ⚫︎彼は過ちを認めて、相手に土下座した。 Translation: He admitted his mistake and performed a 土下座 to the other person.

⚫︎ 土下座 is used in very formal and serious situations. ⚫︎ It's usually reserved for cases where one has caused significant harm or offense. ⚫︎ It is rarely, if ever, used casually. ⚫︎ Avoid using it unless the situation calls for such a high level of apology or respect.

⚫︎ 土下座 is primarily written in kanji: 土下座. ⚫︎ The reading (hiragana) is どげざ. ⚫︎ The okurigana (送りがな) - the hiragana attached to the kanji - is standard (座).

⚫︎ While there aren't direct synonyms for the physical act of 土下座, words expressing similar feelings include: ⚫︎ 謝罪 (しゃざい) - apology ⚫︎ お詫び (おわび) - apology, regrets ⚫︎ 平謝り (ひらあやまり) - groveling apology

⚫︎ It's difficult to identify a direct antonym because 土下座 is a specific action. However, actions or words demonstrating the opposite of humility or apology could be considered antonyms in terms of attitude. ⚫︎ Arrogance ⚫︎ Defiance ⚫︎ Refusal to apologize

彼は上司の命令を無視して、解雇され、社長に土下座して許しを乞うしかなかった。 ・Translation: He ignored his superior's orders, was fired, and had no choice but to perform a 土下座 to the president and beg for forgiveness. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates a situation where a 土下座 is used as a last resort to seek forgiveness in a dire situation.

その会社は消費者を欺いたため、記者会見で経営陣は土下座して謝罪した。 ・Translation: Because the company deceived consumers, the management team 土下座d and apologized at a press conference. ・Explanation: This sentence shows 土下座 being used to convey a deep sense of responsibility and remorse for wrongdoing in the business world.

The word 土下座 is formed from the following: ⚫︎ 土 (ど) - meaning "ground" or "earth." ⚫︎ 下 (げ) - meaning "under" or "below." ⚫︎ 座 (ざ) - meaning "seat" or "to sit." ⚫︎ Therefore, 土下座 literally means "to sit below the ground," reflecting the act of kneeling and touching the head to the ground in a posture of extreme humility.