Definition
五体投地 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally describes the Buddhist practice of prostrating oneself with all five limbs (head, two hands, two knees) touching the ground. Figuratively, it expresses the highest level of admiration or awe for someone's skill, talent, or achievement — equivalent to 'I'm not worthy' or 'I bow to you' in English. You can use it as a predicate or complement after 佩服 or 崇拜.
f.e.
to admire someone deeplyto be in awe of someone's skill or achievement
Examples
- 五体投地。Wǒ duì tā de cáihuá pèifu de wǔ tǐ tóu dì.I admire his talent so much that I prostrate myself before him.
- 五体投地。Zhè wèi dàshī de jìyì ràng wǒ wǔ tǐ tóu dì.This master's skill makes me prostrate myself in admiration.
- ,五体投地。Kàn dào tā de zuòpǐn, wǒ zhēn shì wǔ tǐ tóu dì.Seeing his work, I truly prostrate myself in admiration.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.