膝まずく
hizamazuku
The English verb 'kneel' is translated into Japanese as 膝まずく (hizamazuku).
The phrase is used to describe the action of stooping down and resting on one's knees.
Meaning: to stoop down and rest on the knee (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
hizamazuku
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific word, 痺れる (shibireru), to describe the 'pins and needles' sensation that almost inevitably follows prolonged kneeling in 正座.
- While 膝まずく describes the physical act, the traditional Japanese way of kneeling and sitting is called 正座 (seiza), which literally means 'correct sitting'.
- The word 膝 (hiza) for 'knee' is used in the idiom 膝を突き合わせる (hiza o tsukiawaseru), meaning to sit knee-to-knee to have a frank and honest discussion.
Example conversation
The couple is visiting a traditional temple.
- 大翔 Hirotoここでは膝まずくのがマナーだよ。Koko de wa hizamazuku no ga manā dayo.It is proper etiquette to kneel here.
- 美咲 Misakiわかった。大翔さんもそうして。Wakatta. Daito-san mo sō shite.I understand. You should do it too, Daito.
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、一緒に膝まずこう。Un, issho ni hizamazukō.Yeah, let's kneel together.
- 美咲 Misaki美咲、準備できたよ。Misaki, junbi dekita yo.Misaki, I am ready.
