Translation guide
How to express nodding in Japanese, from physical gestures to agreement.
Describing the action of nodding one's head, typically to signal yes, understanding, or greeting.
The most common verb for 'to nod'. It implies a single or repeated downward movement of the head, often in agreement or acknowledgment.
彼は黙ってうなずいた。
He nodded silently.
先生の話を聞きながら、何度もうなずいた。
I nodded several times while listening to the teacher.
Literally 'to shake one's head vertically'. A more descriptive phrase for nodding, often used to emphasize the motion or contrast with shaking head horizontally.
彼は首を縦に振って同意を示した。
He nodded to show his agreement.
Describes a nodding motion, often when dozing off (nodding off to sleep). Can also be used for a small, quick nod of agreement.
会議中にこっくりしてしまった。
I nodded off during the meeting.
Using a nod to mean 'yes', 'I understand', or to give a non-verbal go-ahead.
In Japanese, the physical act of nodding is often described with うなずく, but the meaning of agreement is conveyed through context or additional phrases. Simply stating the action implies the intent.
彼女はうなずいて、「はい」と言った。
She nodded and said 'yes'.
Refers to the frequent nods and interjections (like 'うん', 'はい') given during conversation to show you are listening. Not just a single nod, but a conversational habit.
日本人は会話中によく相づちを打つ。
Japanese people often nod and give verbal cues during conversation.
To nod at someone as a greeting or acknowledgment.
A slight bow or nod used as a polite greeting or acknowledgment, more formal than a casual nod.
彼は軽く会釈して部屋を出た。
He gave a slight nod and left the room.
Literally 'to show a nod', meaning to nod at someone deliberately to communicate something.
彼は私にうなずいて見せた。
He gave me a nod.
To fall asleep briefly, especially when not intending to.
To doze off, especially in a sitting position. Commonly used for nodding off in class or meetings.
授業中に居眠りしてしまった。
I nodded off during class.
Onomatopoeic expression for the head drooping repeatedly when sleepy. Often used adverbially.
こっくりこっくりしながらテレビを見ていた。
I was nodding off while watching TV.
うなずく is the standard verb for nodding and is used in most contexts. 首を縦に振る is more literal and emphasizes the physical motion, often used when contrasting with shaking one's head (首を横に振る).
彼は首を縦に振らず、横に振った。
He didn't nod; he shook his head.
In Japan, nodding (相づち) during conversation is very common and expected to show you are listening. It doesn't always mean agreement, but rather 'I'm listening' or 'I understand'. Lack of such cues can be interpreted as disinterest.