Translation and Meaning of: 謙る - herikudaru

The word 「謙る」, read as "へりくだる" (herikudaru), is a Japanese expression that carries the meaning of humility or submission. In terms of definition, it refers to the act of lowering oneself or showing deference, usually as a form of respect or courtesy in social interactions. It is a common practice in Asian cultural contexts, where hierarchy and respect play crucial roles in interpersonal relationships.

As for the etymology of 「謙る」, the first part, 「謙」 (ken), means humble or modest. This kanji is often associated with attitudes of modesty and humility, which are essential in many Japanese social interactions. The second part, 「る」 (ru), is a verbal inflection that, in this case, indicates a verb in its root form. Together, these parts form an action of demonstrating humility or modesty.

The cultural origin of the use of "へりくだる" can be traced back to ancient times in Japan, where social hierarchy was well defined, and the act of lowering oneself aimed to show respect to superiors. In daily interactions, humility (「謙遜」, kenson) is highly valued, and the use of expressions like "へりくだる" reinforces this cultural norm. This term is often used in formal contexts and can be observed in speeches, business meetings, and even in classical Japanese literature.

In contemporary use, "へりくだる" still maintains a strong presence, especially in formal or business contexts. Many see this practice as essential for maintaining harmony (「和」, wa) within groups and organizations. Furthermore, humility is such an intrinsic value in Japanese society that its use and understanding go beyond words, manifesting in gestures, body language, and even in etiquette when speaking or introducing oneself.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 謙遜する (kenson suru) - be modest, show humility
• 謙虚になる (kenkyo ni naru) - become humble, adopt a posture of humility
• 謙り入る (takaraiiru) - enter a posture of humility, modestly introduce oneself