saa2 sau2 ning6 tau4耍手擰頭耍手拧头
Jyutpingsaa2 sau2 ning6 tau4
Yalesá sáu ningh tàuh
Definition
Waving of hand and shaking of head sideways as a gesture for "no" (spoken)
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This expression vividly captures the physical act of rejecting something by combining two distinct gestures. It is frequently used to describe someone who is adamant about their refusal, often implying that the person is not even willing to consider the request. It carries a slightly more dramatic or emphatic tone than simply saying 唔要 or 拒絕.
Examples
ngo5 man6 keoi5 heoi3 m4 heoi3 wun6 keoi5 zik1 hak1 saa2 sau2 ning6 tau2
我問佢去唔去玩，佢即刻耍手擰頭。
I asked him if he wanted to go out, and he immediately refused.
giu3 keoi5 sik6 do1 di1 coi3 keoi5 jau6 saa2 sau2 ning6 tau2 laa3
叫佢食多啲菜，佢又耍手擰頭喇。
I told him to eat more vegetables, and he's refusing again.
Related words
Common phrases
zik1 hak1 saa2 sau2 ning6 tau2
即刻耍手擰頭
immediately refuse
jat1 mei2 saa2 sau2 ning6 tau2
一味耍手擰頭
keep refusing
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a verbal refusal, as it specifically emphasizes the non-verbal body language of shaking one's head and waving one's hands. If the person refuses by speaking, it is more accurate to use 拒絕 or 唔肯.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
