A1 Collocation तटस्थ 3 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

摇头

To shake head

शाब्दिक अर्थ: 摇 (yáo - to shake/wave) + 头 (tóu - head)

Use `摇头` to physically signal 'no', disagreement, or lack of knowledge in any daily situation.

15 सेकंड में

  • The physical act of shaking your head to say no.
  • Used for disagreement, refusal, or indicating you don't know.
  • Simple verb-object structure suitable for all levels.

मतलब

This phrase literally describes the physical act of moving your head from side to side to say 'no' or show you don't agree with something.

मुख्य उदाहरण

3 / 6
1

Declining more food at a friend's house

我吃饱了,我摇了摇头。

I am full; I shook my head.

🤝
2

A boss disagreeing with a proposal

老板看了看计划,直摇头。

The boss looked at the plan and kept shaking his head.

💼
3

Not knowing the answer in class

老师问他问题,他只是摇头。

The teacher asked him a question, and he just shook his head.

😊
🌍

सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि

While 'shaking the head' is globally recognized as 'no', in Chinese culture, it is often used to signal 'I don't have that' or 'I can't do that' in service industry settings. It is a very common non-verbal cue used by shopkeepers or taxi drivers to indicate they are unavailable or out of stock.

💡

Softening the 'No'

If you want to be less blunt, use `摇了摇头` (shook the head a bit) instead of just `摇头`. It sounds more natural and less aggressive.

⚠️

Don't just shake!

In professional settings, shaking your head without saying anything can come off as rude. Always pair the gesture with a verbal explanation if possible.

15 सेकंड में

  • The physical act of shaking your head to say no.
  • Used for disagreement, refusal, or indicating you don't know.
  • Simple verb-object structure suitable for all levels.

What It Means

摇头 is the universal sign for 'no' in Chinese culture. It is a simple verb-object construction. You use it when you want to decline an offer. You also use it to show you don't know an answer. It is the physical manifestation of disagreement or disapproval.

How To Use It

In a sentence, it usually follows a subject. You can say 他摇头 (He shook his head). You can also add to show the action happened. For example, 我问他,他摇了摇头. This means 'I asked him, and he shook his head.' It is very straightforward. You don't need complex grammar to make this work.

When To Use It

Use it when someone offers you more spicy tofu and you're full. Use it in a meeting when a plan seems impossible. It is perfect for those 'I have no idea' moments. If a tourist asks for directions and you're lost too, just 摇头. It is a silent but powerful way to communicate. It works at the dinner table, in the office, or on the street.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it if you want to be extremely polite to an elder. Sometimes, a silent head shake can feel a bit blunt. In very formal settings, pair it with a verbal 'no'. Avoid using it if you are actually confused but want help. People might think you are just saying 'no' to the conversation entirely. Also, don't confuse it with 点头 (nodding), or you'll end up with a very spicy soup you didn't want!

Cultural Background

In China, body language is often more subtle than in the West. However, 摇头 is quite direct. Historically, Chinese etiquette favored verbal modesty. But the head shake has always been the standard 'no'. Interestingly, in some traditional Chinese medicine contexts, shaking the head excessively was seen as a sign of weakness. Today, it's just a standard part of daily life. It’s the quickest way to say 'count me out' without making a sound.

Common Variations

  • 摇摇头 (yáo yáo tóu): A softer, more casual way to say it.
  • 直摇头 (zhí yáo tóu): Shaking your head repeatedly. This shows strong disapproval or disbelief.
  • 摇头叹气 (yáo tóu tàn qì): Shaking your head and sighing. This is for when you are disappointed in someone.
  • 摇得像拨浪鼓 (yáo de xiàng bō làng gǔ): Shaking your head like a Rattle Drum. This means saying 'no' very fast and emphatically.

इस्तेमाल की जानकारी

This is a neutral term used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is safe for beginners to use in any context, but remember that pairing it with a polite verbal response is best in formal situations.

💡

Softening the 'No'

If you want to be less blunt, use `摇了摇头` (shook the head a bit) instead of just `摇头`. It sounds more natural and less aggressive.

⚠️

Don't just shake!

In professional settings, shaking your head without saying anything can come off as rude. Always pair the gesture with a verbal explanation if possible.

💬

The 'Rattle Drum' Effect

If you see someone shaking their head very fast (like a `拨浪鼓`), they aren't just saying no—they are strongly denying or are very surprised!

उदाहरण

6
#1 Declining more food at a friend's house
🤝

我吃饱了,我摇了摇头。

I am full; I shook my head.

A polite way to decline an extra serving.

#2 A boss disagreeing with a proposal
💼

老板看了看计划,直摇头。

The boss looked at the plan and kept shaking his head.

Shows strong disapproval or dissatisfaction.

#3 Not knowing the answer in class
😊

老师问他问题,他只是摇头。

The teacher asked him a question, and he just shook his head.

Used when someone doesn't know the answer.

#4 Texting about a bad date
😊

他太奇怪了,我只能摇头。

He was so weird; I could only shake my head.

Expressing disbelief or 'I can't even' via text.

#5 A humorous reaction to a friend's bad joke
😄

听到他的笑话,大家都无奈地摇头。

Hearing his joke, everyone shook their heads helplessly.

A classic reaction to a 'dad joke'.

#6 Feeling disappointed in someone's choice
💭

妈妈对他摇头,觉得他做错了。

Mom shook her head at him, feeling he did wrong.

Conveys emotional disappointment.

खुद को परखो

Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence: 'When I asked if he wanted tea, he...'

我问他喝不喝茶,他___。

✓ सही! ✗ बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: 摇头

`摇头` means shaking the head to say no, while `点头` means nodding yes and `洗头` means washing hair.

How do you say someone kept shaking their head in disapproval?

他对我___,不满意我的表现。

✓ सही! ✗ बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब: 直摇头

`直摇头` emphasizes the continuous action of shaking the head in disapproval.

🎉 स्कोर: /2

विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स

Formality of '摇头'

Informal

Shaking head at a friend's silly joke.

摇摇头

Neutral

Declining an offer in a shop.

摇头

Formal

Indicating disagreement in a board meeting.

微微摇头

When to use 摇头

摇头
🍜

At a Restaurant

Declining more water

💼

In a Meeting

Disagreeing with a budget

📍

On the Street

Not knowing directions

😂

With Friends

Reacting to a bad idea

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

Yes, in 99% of cases, it means 'no', 'I don't know', or 'I disagree'. It is the opposite of 点头 (nodding).

You can describe the action, like 我只能摇头 (I can only shake my head), to show frustration or disbelief.

摇摇头 is a bit more casual and describes a brief, light movement. 摇头 is the standard term.

It's not necessarily rude, but it's better to say 不用了,谢谢 (No need, thanks) while shaking your head.

You use 直摇头 (zhí yáo tóu). For example: 他听了我的话,直摇头.

Yes, if you shake your head while looking at something difficult, it implies 'I don't understand this' or 'This is impossible'.

Not exactly a slang word, but 摇头族 (yáo tóu zú) used to refer to people at clubs listening to loud music, though this is dated.

For dancing, you would more likely use 扭动 (niǔ dòng) or 摆动 (bǎi dòng). 摇头 specifically implies the 'no' gesture.

If your head hurts, you'd say 头疼 (tóu téng). You wouldn't usually use 摇头 to describe pain-related movement.

It means 'shaking the head and sighing'. It's used when you are very disappointed in a situation or person.

संबंधित मुहावरे

点头

To nod (say yes)

摆手

To wave one's hand (to say no/decline)

不同意

To disagree

没办法

There is no way / nothing can be done

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