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Kotomora

頷

nod approval

Strokes16

Readings

On'yomi

  • ガン
  • カン

Kun'yomi

  • うなず.く
  • あご

Meaning

頷 centers on the physical gesture of nodding, especially to show agreement or approval. The meaning is tightly focused on that single action.

Most common words using 頷

  • 頷くうなずく
    N3

    to nod; to bow one's head in assent; to agree

  • 頷けるうなずける

    to (be able to) agree (with); to be able to accept; to find acceptable; to be convinced; to understand

  • 頷きうなずき

    nod; inclination of the head

  • 頷き合ううなずきあう

    to nod to one another

Explore all words using 頷 →

Study

Etymology

頷 combines 含 (contain, hold in mouth) with 頁 (head), suggesting a head movement that holds or contains meaning—a nod. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the phono-semantic structure is plausible.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side 含 looks like a mouth holding something, and the right side 頁 is a head. Picture a head with a mouth holding back words, so it just nods instead.

Reading mnemonic

For ガン, imagine a stern general giving a single nod of approval: the general's 'Gan!' cues ガン as the head nods.