点头 diǎntóu to nod
How to remember 点头: 点 point + 头 head = to nod.
Characters
How it is used
- Separable verb-object for the physical gesture of nodding, often reduplicated: 点点头 or 点了点头.
- 他点点头表示同意 (tā diǎndiǎntóu biǎoshì tóngyì) - He nodded to show agreement.
- Common in narrative writing to show wordless agreement.
- Opposite gesture is 摇头 (yáotóu, to shake the head, disagree) - 他摇头 (tā yáotóu) he shakes his head.
Example sentences
- 他点头以示鼓励。 Tā diǎntóu yǐshì gǔlì.He nodded encouragingly.
- 汤姆点头以示鼓励。 Tāngmǔ diǎntóu yǐshì gǔlì.Tom nodded encouragingly.