cúi rạp
Definition
- Verb:
- To bow very low, to prostrate oneself: "cúi rạp" describes the action of bending the body forward and downward to an extreme degree, often as a sign of deep respect, submission, or worship. It implies a posture lower than a simple bow.
Usage Instructions
- Context: Used to describe a physical gesture of extreme deference, humility, or reverence. It is often associated with formal rituals, religious worship, or showing profound gratitude or apology.
- Grammar: Functions as a verb. Can be used in various tenses with appropriate auxiliaries (e.g., đã cúi rạp, đang cúi rạp, sẽ cúi rạp).
- Register: Formal and literary. It conveys a strong image and is not used for casual, everyday bowing.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Người lính cúi rạp trước vị tướng. (The soldier prostrated himself before the general.)
- Các tín đồ cúi rạp xuống khi cầu nguyện. (The devotees bowed down low when praying.)
- Anh ấy cúi rạp xin lỗi vì lỗi lầm nghiêm trọng. (He bowed down very low to apologize for the serious mistake.)
Advanced Usage
- "cúi rạp người": To bow one's body down low. This variant emphasizes the physical action on one's own body.
- Ông già cúi rạp người nhặt đồng xu rơi. (The old man bent down very low to pick up the dropped coin.)
- Used in descriptive or narrative contexts to paint a vivid picture of submission or reverence.
- Cả đoàn người cúi rạp như một làn sóng khi nhà vua đi qua. (The whole procession bowed down low like a wave as the king passed by.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cúi (verb): To bow, to bend forward. This is the base, more common, and less extreme form.
- Cúi đầu (verb phrase): To bow one's head.
- Lạy (verb): To kowtow, to prostrate in worship (often involving kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground, which is even more extreme than "cúi rạp").
- Khom lưng (verb): To stoop, to bend one's back.
Synonyms
- Khúm núm: To be obsequious, to cringe (focuses more on servile behavior than just the physical posture).
- Quỳ lạy: To kneel and prostrate (specifies kneeling).
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Cúi rạp mình: To humble oneself greatly, to abase oneself.
- Vì lợi ích của con, bà mẹ sẵn sàng cúi rạp mình. (For the benefit of her child, the mother is willing to humble herself greatly.)
- While "cúi rạp" itself is not typically part of a larger idiomatic structure, its meaning is central to expressions of deep respect or self-abasement in formal contexts.