Meaning
To lower one's head as a sign of respect, apology, or submission.
Cultural Background
Bowing is not just a gesture but a language. The depth and duration of the bow communicate your social standing relative to the other person. In business, the junior person should always be the first to lower their head and should stay down slightly longer than the senior person. Historically, commoners had to lower their heads so low they couldn't look at the face of a nobleman or royalty. Younger Koreans still use the phrase, but often use the slang '박다' (to drive/stick) as in '인사 박다' to mean 'to give a proper bow'.
Eye Contact
In Korea, when you lower your head (머리를 숙이다), you should also lower your gaze. Staring at the person while bowing can seem aggressive.
Don't Overdo It
Bowing too low to a younger person or a close friend can be seen as sarcastic or making fun of them.
Meaning
To lower one's head as a sign of respect, apology, or submission.
Eye Contact
In Korea, when you lower your head (머리를 숙이다), you should also lower your gaze. Staring at the person while bowing can seem aggressive.
Don't Overdo It
Bowing too low to a younger person or a close friend can be seen as sarcastic or making fun of them.
Hand Placement
For a formal bow, place your hands at your sides or clasped in front of your stomach (Gong-su posture) while lowering your head.
The 'Folder' Bow
If you see someone doing a 90-degree bow, they are likely apologizing for a major mistake or showing extreme gratitude.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate situation to use '{머리|頭}를 숙이다'.
어떤 상황에서 '{머리|頭}를 숙이다'라는 표현을 쓸까요?
The phrase is used for sincere apologies and showing respect.
Fill in the blank with the correct particle.
그는 선생님 앞에서 머리___ 숙여 인사했다.
'머리' is the object of the verb '숙이다', so the object particle '를' is required.
Complete the dialogue using the correct form of the phrase.
가: 어제 사장님께 사과드렸어? 나: 네, 깊이 _________________ 사과드렸어요.
'머리를 숙여서' (by lowering my head) naturally connects the action to the apology.
Match the phrase variation to the correct nuance.
Match: 1. 머리를 숙이다, 2. 고개를 숙이다
'머리' is more formal/respectful, while '고개' is more emotional/internal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
머리 vs 고개
Practice Bank
4 exercises어떤 상황에서 '{머리|頭}를 숙이다'라는 표현을 쓸까요?
The phrase is used for sincere apologies and showing respect.
그는 선생님 앞에서 머리___ 숙여 인사했다.
'머리' is the object of the verb '숙이다', so the object particle '를' is required.
가: 어제 사장님께 사과드렸어? 나: 네, 깊이 _________________ 사과드렸어요.
'머리를 숙여서' (by lowering my head) naturally connects the action to the apology.
Match: 1. 머리를 숙이다, 2. 고개를 숙이다
'머리' is more formal/respectful, while '고개' is more emotional/internal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo. '절하다' is a specific traditional bow where you usually go down to your knees. '머리를 숙이다' is a more general term for lowering the head while standing or sitting.
Only if you are joking or if you did something really wrong and want to show you are super sorry. Otherwise, it's too formal.
It's a sign of respect to the viewers. They '머리를 숙이다' at the beginning and end of the broadcast to show they are serving the public.
Not always. It can also mean 'respect' or 'yielding to someone's skill'. The context tells you which one it is.
The opposite is '고개를 빳빳이 들다' (to hold one's head stiffly/high), which implies arrogance or defiance.
It is always '머리를 숙이다'. '머리' is the object being moved.
Usually no, unless you are writing a story where animals have human-like manners.
In a formal setting, about 1-2 seconds is standard. For a deep apology, you might stay down longer until the other person acknowledges you.
Yes, very! Especially in historical dramas (Sa-geuk) or office dramas when someone is being scolded.
A simple nod is '고개를 끄덕이다'. That's for 'yes' or 'I agree', not for 'respect' or 'apology'.
Related Phrases
고개를 숙이다
similarTo lower one's head/neck.
허리를 굽히다
builds onTo bend at the waist.
무릎을 꿇다
specialized formTo kneel down.
머리를 맞대다
contrastTo put heads together.
