tau4 fang4 fang4頭揈揈头轰轰
Jyutpingtau4 fang4 fang4
Yaletàuh fàhng fàhng
Definition
To shake, wag, or nod one's head, often indicating disapproval, hesitation, or being in a daze.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Describes a repetitive, often aimless or rhythmic movement of the head. It frequently implies a lack of focus, a sense of boredom, or a physical reaction to music or discomfort. It is almost exclusively used to describe a person's behavior rather than a deliberate gesture of communication.
Examples
He is always wagging his head, looking like he is not focused at all.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with nodding, which is usually expressed as 點頭. This term specifically refers to a side to side or loose, unfocused motion rather than an affirmative gesture.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
