首(くび)を振(ふ)る

くびをふる
expression
to shake one's head
1. to shake one's head (in denial or refusal)
To move one's head side to side to indicate 'no' or disagreement.
彼(かれ)は黙(だま)って首(くび)を横(よこ)に振(ふ)った。
He silently shook his head (to say no).
「無理(むり)だ」と首(くび)を振(ふ)った。
"It's impossible," he said, shaking his head.
2. to nod (when vertical)
When specified as vertical movement, indicates agreement or acknowledgment.
質問(しつもん)に首(くび)を縦(たて)に振(ふ)った。
She nodded in response to the question.

STRUCTURE: 首(くび) (neck/head) + を + 振(ふ)る (to shake/swing)

DIRECTION MATTERS:

  • 首(くび)を横(よこ)に振(ふ)る: shake head side to side (no, disagreement)
  • 首(くび)を縦(たて)に振(ふ)る: nod (yes, agreement)
  • Without direction specified, usually implies side-to-side (no)

RELATED EXPRESSIONS:

  • うなずく (to nod) - specifically means agreement/understanding
  • 頷(うなず)く (same as above, kanji form)
  • 首(くび)をかしげる (to tilt one's head) - shows puzzlement

CULTURAL NOTE: In Japan, as in most cultures, shaking the head side-to-side means 'no' and nodding means 'yes.' However, Japanese people may also tilt the head or say "うーん" to soften refusal.

Related Words

Related: うなずく (to nod)
core
Added 2026.1.18 19:03 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06500/06895_kubiwofuru