Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    The Verb 低头 (dītóu): To Lower One's Head

    Actions & Events
    Direction & Movement

    Structure

    Subject + 低头 + Verb

    Explanation

    低头 (dītóu) is a Chinese verb meaning "to lower one's head" or "to bow one's head." It literally combines 低 (low) and 头 (head), and can be used both literally to describe a physical action and figuratively to express submission or yielding.

    Examples

    • 他低头看了一眼手机,然后继续走路。

      tā dītóu kàn le yī yǎn shǒujī, ránhòu jìxù zǒulù.

      He lowered his head to glance at his phone, then continued walking.

    • 孩子做错了事,低头不敢说话。

      háizi zuòcuò le shì, dītóu bù gǎn shuōhuà.

      The child had done something wrong and lowered his head, not daring to speak.

    • 她低头想了一会儿,终于做出了决定。

      tā dītóu xiǎng le yīhuìr, zhōngyú zuòchū le juédìng.

      She lowered her head and thought for a moment, then finally made a decision.

    The Verb 低头 (dītóu): To Lower One's Head | Chinese Grammar