Definition

1. Verb:
   • To tumble down in a genuflexion, to kowtow: To prostrate oneself or bow down deeply and submissively, often in a sudden or humble manner, as a sign of deep respect, worship, or supplication.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Người dân sụp lạy trước tượng Phật. (The people kowtowed before the Buddha statue.)
  • Anh ta sụp lạy xin tha tội. (He prostrated himself to beg for forgiveness.)

Advanced Usage

• "sụp lạy tạ ơn": to prostrate oneself in gratitude.
  • Sau khi được cứu, ông ấy sụp lạy tạ ơn ân nhân. (After being saved, he kowtowed to thank his benefactor.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lạy (v): to bow with hands clasped; to worship.
  • Lạy Phật (to worship Buddha)
• Sụp (v): to collapse, to fall down.
  • Ngôi nhà sụp đổ. (The house collapsed.)

Synonyms

• Quỳ lạy (v): to kneel and bow in worship.
• Phủ phục (v): to prostrate oneself.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Sụp xuống lạy: to fall down and kowtow (emphasizes the sudden motion).
  • Nghe tin dữ, bà cụ sụp xuống lạy trời. (Upon hearing the bad news, the old woman fell to her knees and kowtowed to heaven.)

Related Idioms

• Sụp lạy van xin: to kowtow and beg desperately.
  • Hắn sụp lạy van xin chủ nợ gia hạn. (He kowtowed and begged the creditor for an extension.)

1. Tumble down in a genuflexion, kowtow