Meaning and Usage
The phrase 低头 (dītóu) literally means "to lower the head." It is commonly used both in a physical sense—such as looking down or bowing one's head—and in a figurative sense, implying submission, concession, or admitting fault.
Common Contexts
- Physical action: lowering the head to look down at something, often a phone or book.
- Showing humility or submission: bowing the head in respect or yielding in a conflict.
- Admitting mistakes or defeat: metaphorically "lowering one's head" to accept responsibility or concede.
Collocations and Patterns
- 低头认错 (dītóu rèncuò): to admit one's mistake humbly.
- 低头看手机 (dītóu kàn shǒujī): to look down at one's phone.
- 低头不语 (dītóu bù yǔ): to lower one's head and remain silent, often indicating shame or reluctance to speak.
Nuances
Using 低头 often conveys a tone of humility or submission. It can be positive, such as showing respect, or negative, such as forced concession. It is more formal and literary than simply saying "look down" (看下). Avoid confusing 低头 with 低落 (dīluò), which means "downcast" or "depressed."