Chinese word

跪

Pronunciation

Pinyinguì

Meaning

  • verbkneel

Example

他当众跪在地上道歉。tā dāng zhòng guì zài dì shàng dào qiàn

He knelt on the ground in public and apologized.

Illustration for 跪 (kneel)

More examples

受罚时，他拒绝在众人面前跪下。shòu fá shí tā jù jué zài zhòng rén miàn qián guì xià

While being punished, he refused to kneel down in front of everyone.

Core concept

An unmistakable gesture that places the body low before someone, often to express an urgent appeal or serious remorse.

Common phrases

  • 跪下guì xià

    kneel down

  • 跪求guì qiú

    plead on one's knees

Similar words

下跪xià guì: Kneel formally to offer an apology or show respect.
跪拜guì bài: Kneel and bow the upper body deeply in a ritual display of respect or submission.
叩头kòu tóu: Kneel and strike the head against the ground to show deep remorse or submission.

Definition in Chinese

用膝盖着地以表示请求、道歉或恭敬的动作。yòng xī gài zhe dì yǐ biǎo shì qǐng qiú dào qiàn huò gōng jìng de dòng zuò

Word origin

In 跪 (guì, "kneel"), the 足 (zú, "foot") component identifies a physical action and 危 (wēi, "danger") provides the sound, making the character's structure useful for remembering its bodily sense.

Usage tips

  • Using this word for a minor everyday mistake can sound exaggerated because the posture is so strong; ordinary speech often focuses on the apology rather than describing the posture.

Opposites

  • 起立qǐ lìstand upverb

Related words

  • 跪姿guì zīkneeling positionnoun

Word lists with this word