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kowtow

/ˈkaʊtaʊ/

Translations

kowtownoun

kowtows

/kaʊˈtaʊ/

prosternationAu sens littéral; geste de respect ou de soumission.

The ambassador performed a kowtow before the emperor as a sign of respect.

L’ambassadeur a accompli une prosternation devant l’empereur en signe de respect.

Additional translations

obséquiositéAu sens figuré; comportement servile ou complaisant.

Synonyms

kowtowverb

kowtowed

Past Simple

kowtowed

Past Participle

kowtowing

Gerund

/ˈkaʊtaʊ/

se prosternerAu sens littéral; dans le contexte de la coutume chinoise.

The officials were expected to kowtow before the emperor during the ceremony.

Les officiels devaient se prosterner devant l’empereur pendant la cérémonie.

Additional translations

faire des courbettesAu sens figuré; familier.

Synonyms

kowtownoun

An act of deep respect shown by kneeling and bowing so low as to have one's head touching the ground.

The ambassador performed a kowtow before the emperor as a sign of respect.

An act of excessive subservience or obsequiousness.

His constant kowtow to the boss made him unpopular among his colleagues.

kowtowverb

To act in an excessively subservient manner.

He refused to kowtow to the demands of the new manager.

To kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in worship or submission as part of Chinese custom.

The officials were expected to kowtow before the emperor during the ceremony.