点头

diǎntóu

to nod

HSK 4

Character Breakdown

Usage of 点头

The verb 点头 literally means "to nod" and is commonly used to indicate agreement, approval, or acknowledgment in conversation. It often appears in contexts where someone physically nods their head to show consent or understanding.

Common Collocations

  • 点头表示同意 (nod to show agreement): Used when someone agrees with a proposal or statement.
  • 点头认可 (nod in approval): Often used in formal or group settings like meetings.
  • 点头 (keep nodding): Describes continuous nodding, often showing enthusiasm or happiness.

Nuances

Using 点头 implies a nonverbal confirmation that can be more polite or subtle than verbal agreement. It is frequently paired with verbs like 表示 (to express) or 认可 (to approve) to clarify the meaning.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse 点头 with (shake head), which means to disagree or refuse. The two are opposites in body language and meaning.

Example Sentences

他听了我的建议,点头表示同意。

Tā tīngle wǒ de jiànyì, diǎntóu biǎoshì tóngyì.

He listened to my suggestion and nodded to show agreement.

会议上,大家纷纷点头认可这个方案。

Huìyì shàng, dàjiā fēnfēn diǎntóu rènkě zhège fāng'àn.

At the meeting, everyone nodded in approval of this plan.

小孩子看到喜欢的玩具,开心地不停地点头。

Xiǎo háizi kàn dào xǐhuān de wánjù, kāixīn de bù tíng diǎntóu.

The child kept nodding happily when seeing the toy he liked.