Kowtow to sb Meaning, Examples & How to Use It Correctly

What Does “Kowtow to sb” Mean?

“Kowtow to sb” means to show too much respect or obedience to someone, often in a way that seems excessive or submissive.

Introduction

The phrase “kowtow to sb” is used to describe a situation where someone is overly respectful or obedient toward another person, usually someone in authority. The “sb” stands for “somebody,” meaning the person receiving this respect. The Kowtow to sb meaning is often connected with bowing down or acting subserviently, sometimes to the point of losing dignity. Originally, “kowtow” referred to a traditional Chinese act of deep respect by kneeling and bowing. Nowadays, it’s used in English to describe both literal and figurative submission. Understanding how to use this phrase correctly can help you express ideas about respect, authority, and sometimes criticism of excessive obedience.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Kowtow to somebody
• Type: Intransitive (used with “to sb”)
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: To act in an overly respectful or submissive way toward someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Kowtow” is an intransitive verb and is always followed by “to” plus the person it refers to.

• Correct structure: kowtow to somebody
• It is not separable; you cannot place an object between “kowtow” and “to”.
• Example pattern: Subject + kowtow to + somebody

How to Use “Kowtow to sb”?

Use “kowtow to sb” when you want to describe someone showing excessive respect or submission toward another person. It often carries a negative tone, implying that the respect is too much or undeserved. This phrase is common in formal or informal conversations when discussing power dynamics, authority, or social behavior.

Examples

Here are some natural examples of “kowtow to sb in a sentence”:

• She refused to kowtow to her boss, even though it might have helped her get a promotion.
• Politicians often kowtow to wealthy donors to secure funding.
• He won’t kowtow to anyone just to fit in with the group.
• Some employees feel they have to kowtow to their managers to keep their jobs.
• The company kowtowed to the demands of the government to avoid penalties.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse the structure or misuse the phrase. Here are some common errors:

• Incorrect: She kowtowed her boss.
• Correct: She kowtowed to her boss.
• Incorrect: They kowtow the manager.
• Correct: They kowtow to the manager.

Remember, always use “kowtow to” followed by the person.

Differences / Synonyms

“Kowtow to sb” is similar to phrases like “bow down to sb” or “submit to sb,” but there are subtle differences. “Bow down” can be literal or figurative and is often less negative. “Submit to” focuses more on yielding authority, while “kowtow” implies excessive or humiliating submission.

• Kowtow to sb: Implies excessive or forced respect.
• Bow down to sb: Can be respectful or literal bowing.
• Submit to sb: Yielding authority, may be neutral or negative.

Common Collocations

Here are some common words and phrases used with “kowtow to sb”:

• Kowtow to authority – showing excessive respect to those in power.
• Kowtow to the boss – acting submissively toward a manager.
• Kowtow to demands – giving in to requests or pressures.
• Kowtow to rules – obeying rules excessively or without question.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of kowtow to sb:

• Kowtow To Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “kowtow to sb”:

Anna: I don’t like how John always kowtows to the CEO.

Ben: Yeah, it seems like he’s trying too hard to please.

Anna: Sometimes, it looks like he forgets his own opinions.

Practice

Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:

He refused to _______ to the demands of his superiors.

• a) kowtow
• b) kowtow to
• c) kowtow with
• d) kowtow at

Answer: b) kowtow to

FAQs

• Q: Is “kowtow to sb” formal or informal?

  A: It is more common in formal or written English but can be used informally to criticize behavior.
• Q: Can “kowtow” be used without “to”?

  A: No, “kowtow” is usually followed by “to” and the person or authority.

• Q: Is “kowtow” always negative?

  A: Generally, yes. It implies too much submission or respect.
• Q: Can I use “kowtow” about animals?

  A: No, it is used for people showing submission to other people or authority.

• Q: What is the origin of “kowtow”?

  A: It comes from a Chinese tradition of kneeling and bowing deeply as a sign of respect.