sau2 hang2首肯

Jyutpingsau2 hang2

Yalesáu háng

Definition

To nod in agreement; to give consent or approval.

writtencommunicationwork

How it's used

Carries a formal or literary weight that makes it sound slightly more sophisticated than common alternatives like 應承 or 同意. It is frequently used in professional or news contexts to describe someone in a position of authority granting permission or signaling agreement. Using it in casual conversation can add a touch of gravity or emphasis to the act of agreeing.

Examples

keoi5佢zung1終jyu1於sau2首hang2肯bong1幫ngo5我sau2手laa3喇。

He finally gave his consent to help me.

lou5老baan2闆sau2首hang2肯zo2咗mei6未aa4呀？

Has the boss given his approval yet?

Common phrases

wok6獲dak1得sau2首hang2肯

to obtain approval

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple verb meaning to nod one's head, but it specifically refers to the act of giving consent or approval through a gesture or signal. It is not used for the physical action of nodding itself, which is better expressed as 點頭.