phủ phục
Definition
- 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").
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(từ cũ) Kowtow very low
