Bow
noun, verbal noun
Tap your head against the floor to show your subservient respect by doing this deep bow. This is the most respectful bow you can possibly do.
叩頭 refers to the traditional Chinese custom where individuals kneel and touch their foreheads to the ground as a gesture of deep respect or submission. You may come across the word 叩頭 in literature and drama set in historical China, particularly in imperial settings.
This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You haven't learned this reading for 叩 yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you:
Who's that bowing before you? It's none other than こういち! He's bowing out of deep respect for you finally hitting level 60 on WaniKani. Congrats!
叩頭とは、いわゆる日本の土下座のことです。
"Kowtow" is what is called "dogeza" in Japan.
部屋の中にいた全員が、王に向かって叩頭した。
Everyone in the room got to their knees and bowed to the king, pressing their foreheads on the floor.
中国の時代劇を見ている日本人以外は、「叩頭」という言葉はほとんど知らないかもしれませんね。
Apart from Japanese people watching Chinese historical dramas, most Japanese people may not be familiar with the term "kowtow."