dī tóu
head down; lower one’s head; submit
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低头不见抬头见
dī tóu bù jiàn tái tóu jiàn
We'll meet again soon.
低头做事，少说话
dī tóu zuò shì, shǎo shuō huà
Keep your head down and do your work, and don't talk too much.
低头思故乡
dī tóu sī gù xiāng
I bow my head and think of my hometown.
俯首 (fǔ shǒu)
bow one's head
低头哈腰 (dī tóu hā yāo)
bow and scrape
抬头 (tái tóu)
raise one's head
仰头 (yǎng tóu)
look up
The Chinese word 低头 (dītóu) is composed of two characters: 低 (dī), meaning "low" or "down", and 头 (tóu), meaning "head". Together, they literally mean "to lower one's head". The word 低头 can be used in a variety of contexts, but it often has a negative connotation, implying submission, humility, or even shame. For example, someone who is 低头 may be bowing down to a superior, or they may be feeling embarrassed or ashamed about something they have done. However, 低头 can also be used in a positive sense, to describe someone who is being humble or respectful. For example, a student who is 低头 may be listening attentively to their teacher, or a child who is 低头 may be showing respect to their parents.
