Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'kowtow'

English Word: kowtow

Key Russian Translations:

• кланяться [kləˈnʲæt͡sə] - [Formal, Verb; used in contexts of deep respect or submission]
• поклоняться [pɐkɫɐˈnʲæt͡sə] - [Formal, Verb; implies worship or extreme deference, often with religious connotations]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary and formal contexts, less frequent in everyday speech)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations, suitable for learners with basic grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

кланяться: [kləˈnʲæt͡sə]

поклоняться: [pɐkɫɐˈnʲæt͡sə]

Note on кланяться: The stress is on the second syllable; be careful with the soft 'н' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To bow deeply as a sign of respect, submission, or flattery

Translation(s) & Context:

• кланяться - Used in formal or historical contexts, such as diplomatic meetings or traditional ceremonies.
• поклоняться - Applied in situations involving reverence, like religious rituals, but can metaphorically mean excessive flattery.

Usage Examples:

• В древнем Китае люди кланялись императору, чтобы показать свою преданность.

  In ancient China, people kowtowed to the emperor to show their loyalty.

• В современном бизнесе некоторые менеджеры поклоняются начальству, надеясь на продвижение.

  In modern business, some managers kowtow to their superiors, hoping for promotion.

• Дети кланяются дедушке на празднике, уважая его возраст и мудрость.

  Children kowtow to their grandfather during holidays, respecting his age and wisdom.

• В театре актеры поклоняются публике после выступления, выражая благодарность.

  In the theater, actors kowtow to the audience after the performance, expressing gratitude.

• Иногда политики поклоняются богатым спонсорам, чтобы получить финансовую поддержку.

  Sometimes politicians kowtow to wealthy sponsors to gain financial support.

To act in an obsequious or subservient manner

Translation(s) & Context:

• кланяться - Informal usage in everyday language to describe flattery or submission in social interactions.

Usage Examples:

• Не стоит кланяться перед каждым, кто имеет власть; это выглядит унизительно.

  Don't kowtow to everyone in power; it looks humiliating.

• В этой компании сотрудники часто кланяются начальнику, чтобы избежать проблем.

  In this company, employees often kowtow to the boss to avoid trouble.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "кланяться" and "поклоняться" are verbs of the first conjugation in Russian, which means they follow regular patterns but have specific infinitive forms. They are imperfective verbs, indicating ongoing or repeated actions.

Note: These verbs do not have irregular forms, but they require agreement with the subject in gender, number, and case in past tense.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • преклоняться (to revere or bow before)
  • унижаться (to humble oneself)
• Antonyms:
  • не кланяться (not to bow)
  • высокомерно вести себя (to act arrogantly)

Related Phrases:

• Кланяться в пояс - To bow from the waist (a deep, formal bow, often in traditional settings).
• Поклоняться идолу - To worship an idol (metaphorically, blind admiration of something or someone).
• Униженно кланяться - To bow humbly (emphasizing subservience in social or professional contexts).

Usage Notes:

"Кланяться" directly corresponds to the act of kowtowing as a physical gesture, while "поклоняться" adds a layer of devotion. Use "кланяться" in everyday or historical contexts, but avoid it in casual speech as it may sound archaic. For English speakers, note that Russian verbs require conjugation based on tense, person, and gender, so always match the subject. When choosing between translations, opt for "поклоняться" if the connotation is more spiritual or excessive.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "кланяться" without proper conjugation, e.g., saying "Я кланяться" instead of "Я кланяюсь".

  Correct: "Я кланяюсь" (I bow). Explanation: Russian verbs must agree with the subject; this mistake often stems from direct word-for-word translation from English.

• Error: Confusing "кланяться" with "поклоняться" in non-religious contexts, e.g., using "поклоняться" for a simple bow.

  Correct: Use "кланяться" for secular bowing. Explanation: "Поклоняться" implies worship, which can make the sentence unintentionally intense.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, bowing (кланяться) is less common than in East Asian traditions like the Chinese kowtow, but it appears in formal etiquette, such as in Orthodox Christian services or historical court settings. It symbolizes respect and humility, often tied to social hierarchy, and can carry undertones of submission in modern contexts, reflecting Russia's complex history of autocracy.

Related Concepts:

• преклонение (reverence)
• унижение (humiliation)
• почтение (respect)