1.
to shrug one's shoulders
A gesture indicating uncertainty, resignation, or indifference by raising both shoulders.
彼は「知らない」と肩をすくめた。
"I don't know," he said with a shrug.
仕方がないと肩をすくめるしかなかった。
I could only shrug, thinking there was nothing to be done.
質問に答えず、肩をすくめた。
Instead of answering the question, she just shrugged.
STRUCTURE: 肩 (shoulder) + を + すくめる (to draw in, hunch)
GESTURE MEANING: Expresses:
- "I don't know"
- "It can't be helped"
- Resignation or indifference
- Non-commitment
CULTURAL NOTE: Shrugging is more common in Western cultures than traditional Japanese communication. However, it's understood in Japan, especially among younger generations and in international contexts. Traditional Japanese may express similar sentiments verbally with 「仕方がない」or through other gestures.
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 首をかしげる (to tilt one's head - puzzlement)
- 手を挙げる (to raise one's hand - surrender or greeting)
OTHER 肩 EXPRESSIONS:
- 肩を落とす (to drop one's shoulders - disappointment)
- 肩の力を抜く (to relax one's shoulders)