saa2 sau2耍手
Jyutpingsaa2 sau2
Yalesá sáu
Definition
To wave one's hand to signal "no", reject, or decline.
colloquialbodycommunication
How it's used
This gesture is a quintessential part of Hong Kong non-verbal communication, often used to decline an offer or signal disagreement without needing to speak. It involves moving the hand back and forth in front of the face or chest, mirroring the motion of saying no. It is frequently used when someone is too busy to talk or when an offer is politely rejected.
Examples
I asked if he wanted to go, and he immediately waved his hand to say no.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple wave hello, but the motion is distinctively horizontal and dismissive. Using it to greet someone will cause confusion as it signals a firm refusal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
