phủ phục

Thân thiện

Một người đàn ông phủ phục trước bàn thờ tổ tiên.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To prostrate oneself; to kowtow very low: "phủ phục" describes the act of bowing or kneeling with one's forehead touching the ground, often as a sign of deep respect, submission, or worship. It is an archaic term.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các quan phủ phục trước mặt vua. (The officials prostrated themselves before the king.)
  • Người dân phủ phục trước bàn thờ tổ tiên. (The people kowtowed very low before the ancestral altar.)

Advanced Usage

• "phủ phục xin lỗi": to prostrate oneself in apology; to beg for forgiveness with a deep bow.
  • Hắn phủ phục xin lỗi vì lỗi lầm nghiêm trọng. (He prostrated himself in apology for the grave mistake.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lạy (v): to bow in respect, often with hands joined. A more common term for a respectful bow, but less extreme than "phủ phục".
• Quỳ lạy (v): to kneel and bow. Describes a similar act of reverence involving kneeling.

Synonyms

• Quỳ sụp xuống: to kneel down abruptly/collapse to one's knees.
• Cúi rạp mình: to bend one's body down low.

Notes on Meaning

• Historical/Archaic Context: The word "phủ phục" is considered old-fashioned (từ cũ). It is primarily encountered in historical texts, literature describing ancient rituals, or formal ceremonies involving deep reverence towards royalty, deities, or ancestors. It implies a higher degree of submission than a simple bow ("cúi chào") or a standard respectful bow ("lạy").

Học thuật

1. (từ cũ) Kowtow very low