s'incliner
The English verb 'bow' translates to French as s'incliner. Wiktionary also lists faire une révérence.
Meaning: to bend oneself as a gesture of respect or deference (verb)
Ways to say it
| French |
|---|
| s'incliner |
| faire une révérence |
The verb s'incliner describes the physical action of bending one's body or head as a gesture of respect or deference. Beyond this physical movement, it can be used figuratively to mean yielding to someone's will or authority.
Which one should you use?
s'incliner is the neutral term used for the general physical action of bending. In contrast, faire une révérence is used specifically for a formal, stylized or ceremonial bow, often associated with historical or courtly etiquette. While s'incliner describes the action, the noun révérence refers to the specific formal gesture itself.
Related words
Did you know?
- In French, s'incliner is also the standard term used for a sports team or athlete who concedes a match or accepts defeat.
- French speakers use s'incliner to describe the physical tilt of a building or a slope, applying the 'bowing' motion to inanimate objects.
- In historical French court etiquette, faire une révérence was not a simple tilt of the head but a complex sequence of specific foot placements and weight shifts.
Examples in context
- Au Japon, il convient de s'incliner lorsque l'on rencontre quelqu'un.In Japan, it is proper to bow when you meet someone.This sentence shows the proper context for using s'incliner in Japan.Tatoeba #11752664 by lbdx, translation #281243 by CM
- Au Japon, il est poli de s'incliner quand on rencontre quelqu'un.In Japan, it is polite to bow when one meets someone.This sentence demonstrates that it is polite to use s'incliner when meeting someone in Japan.Tatoeba #461351 by sacredceltic, translation #5901292 by peterius
- Lorsqu'on assiste à un spectacle de ballet classique, on salue généralement la danseuse en faisant une révérence.When attending a classical ballet performance, it is customary to bow to the dancer.
- Le président a salué la foule d'un salut respectueux.The president greeted the crowd with a respectful bow.
- Pour remercier le public, l'artiste s'est incliné avant de quitter la scène.To thank the audience, the artist bowed before leaving the stage.
- Il faut s'incliner devant le roi.One must bow before the king.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bow” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
