Meaning and Usage
The verb うなずく means "to nod," typically used to indicate agreement, understanding, or acknowledgment in conversation. It is a common non-verbal gesture in Japanese communication.
Common Contexts
You will often see うなずく used when someone agrees with a statement or confirms they understand what is being said. It can be a subtle way to show attentiveness or consent without interrupting.
Collocations and Patterns
- うなずく + と: used to describe the manner of nodding (e.g., ゆっくりとうなずく - nod slowly)
- うなずきながら: indicates simultaneous nodding while doing another action (e.g., うなずきながら話す - talk while nodding)
- 一斉にうなずく: nod all at once, often used for groups
Register and Nuance
うなずく is neutral and polite enough for everyday conversation and formal settings. It is a natural gesture and word to express agreement without words.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse うなずく with あいづち (backchanneling sounds like "uh-huh"), but うなずく specifically refers to the physical action of nodding. Remember to use うなずく when describing the gesture itself.