Meanings of 鞠躬
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About 鞠躬
Podcast: 鞠躬
Podcast: 鞠躬
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AI Study Notes for 鞠躬
鞠躬 (jūgōng) vs 低头 (dītóu) — use 鞠躬 for formal bows of respect, while 低头 refers more generally to lowering the head.
Imagine a person wearing a traditional Chinese outfit gently bending down, their hands clasped, as if they are presenting an offering. The 'ju' in 鞠 can remind you of 'jewel,' representing the precious act of bowing, while 'gong' sounds like 'gong,' which resonates with respect in Chinese culture.
When using 鞠躬, it's important to note that it's often reserved for formal situations. A common mistake is to use it in casual settings where a simple nod would suffice. Be aware of the tone; it should be pronounced clearly as 'jū gōng' to convey the right meaning.
As a level 6 word, 鞠躬 is useful for learners focusing on formal language and etiquette. It connects with other level 6 vocabulary related to ceremonies and respect, so practice using it in sentences that involve greetings or formal events.
In Chinese culture, bowing is a significant gesture that reflects respect, especially in traditional ceremonies like weddings or funerals. It symbolizes humility and acknowledgment of others' worth.
Learners often confuse 鞠躬 with other forms of greeting, like 你好 (nǐ hǎo), using it too casually. For example, saying '我鞠躬你' (wǒ jū gōng nǐ) is incorrect; instead, use it as a verb to describe the action, such as '我鞠躬' (wǒ jū gōng) meaning 'I bow.'
Pronunciation of 鞠躬
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 鞠躬
鞠躬 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
他们向路易斯深深____，并忙不迭地给他让道。
They bowed low to Louis and hastened out of his way.
Example Sentences for 鞠躬 (2)
Cultural Notes for 鞠躬
In Chinese culture, bowing is a significant gesture that reflects respect, especially in traditional ceremonies like weddings or funerals. It symbolizes humility and acknowledgment of others' worth.
In many Western cultures, a handshake might be the preferred form of greeting, while in China, a bow signifies a deeper level of respect.
Frequently Asked Questions about 鞠躬
Use 鞠躬 in formal situations or when you want to show great respect, especially in traditional contexts.