Bowing in Tokyo: When a Nod Isn’t Enough

课文

1. In Tokyo, people bow not just to greet but to show respect, apology, or gratitude.

   在东京，人们鞠躬不仅为了打招呼，还为了表达尊重、道歉或感谢。

2. The depth and duration of a bow depend on the person’s status, age, and context.

   鞠躬的深度和时长取决于对方的身份、年龄及具体场合。

3. A shallow 15-degree bow works for casual meetings, while a 45-degree bow is reserved for formal apologies.

   日常见面时微微15度鞠躬即可，而正式道歉则需45度深鞠躬。

4. Foreigners aren’t expected to master every angle, but trying earns warm smiles and trust.

   外国人不必掌握每个角度，但只要尝试，就会收获热情微笑与信任。

5. Even convenience store clerks bow deeply when you leave — it’s less about hierarchy and more about shared dignity.

   就连便利店店员在你离开时也会深深鞠躬——这无关等级，而关乎彼此尊严。

6. Unlike handshakes, bowing requires no physical contact, making it both polite and hygienic.

   与握手不同，鞠躬无需身体接触，既礼貌又卫生。

7. Students practice bowing daily in school, treating it as seriously as grammar drills.

   学生每天在校练习鞠躬，重视程度不亚于语法训练。

8. Tourists who bow back — even imperfectly — often receive extra help or small gifts from locals.

   游客哪怕笨拙地回礼一鞠躬，也常会得到当地人额外帮助或小礼物。