also: きっきゅうじょ
taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
deferential; humble; reverent; respectful
Classical literary word describing a deeply respectful, bowing demeanor. Used with 〜とした or 〜として in modern contexts, often in formal or literary writing.
彼は鞠躬如として師の前に立った。
He stood before his teacher with a deeply respectful, bowing demeanor.
鞠躬如とした態度で接する。
To interact with a reverent and humble attitude.
恭しい is a common i-adjective meaning 'respectful' or 'reverent', used in everyday polite contexts. 鞠躬如 is a rare literary taru-adjective with a stronger nuance of physical bowing and classical formality.
謙虚 is a common na-adjective/noun meaning 'humble' or 'modest', focusing on a modest mindset. 鞠躬如 emphasizes outward deferential behavior and is much rarer and more literary.
From classical Chinese, combining 鞠躬 (to bow deeply) and 如 (a suffix indicating a state or manner). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the word is a literary borrowing used in classical Japanese texts.