HSK Level 5

摇头

yáo tóu

shake one’s head

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Example Sentences

Synonyms

摆头 (bǎi tóu)

shake one's head

摇首 (yáo shǒu)

shake one's head

Antonyms

点头 (diǎntóu)

nod

同意 (tóngyì)

agree

Etymology & Components

The Chinese word 摇头 (yáo tóu) literally means "to shake one's head." It is composed of two characters: 摇 (yáo), which means "to shake," and 头 (tóu), which means "head." The word 摇头 can be used in a variety of contexts, but it is most commonly used to express disapproval or disagreement. For example, if someone says something that you do not agree with, you might shake your head to show that you do not believe them. 摇头 can also be used to express confusion or uncertainty. For example, if someone asks you a question that you do not know the answer to, you might shake your head to show that you are not sure. In addition to its literal meaning, 摇头 can also be used figuratively to mean "to reject" or "to refuse." For example, if someone offers you something that you do not want, you might shake your head to show that you are not interested.