摇 yáo to shake
to shake; to rock
How to remember 摇: 扌 hand + 䍃 jar in hand = to shake. With one hand on the lid and the jar in hand, the kid starts to shake the cream until it turns into butter.
Component breakdown
摇 = 扌 hand + 䍃 jar in hand
- 扌 hand
- 䍃 jar in hand
With one hand on the lid and the jar in hand, the kid starts to shake the cream until it turns into butter.
How it is used
- 摇头 yáotóu "to shake one's head" (signaling "no") is the most everyday use.
- 动摇 dòngyáo extends the physical rocking into an abstract sense - "to waver" in one's resolve or belief.
- Distinguish from 抖 dǒu "to shake/tremble" (often involuntary, like shivering from cold or fear): 摇 is a deliberate side-to-side rocking motion.