Definition

1. Verb:
   • To shake one's head: The primary meaning of "lắc đầu" is the physical action of moving one's head from side to side. This gesture most commonly signifies refusal, disagreement, disapproval, or a negative response.
   • To express refusal or denial: Used to indicate saying "no," rejecting an offer, or denying a request through this non-verbal gesture.
   • To express wonder or amazement: In some contexts, particularly in the fixed phrase "lắc đầu lè lưỡi," it can express being astonished, amazed, or dazzled by something.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Khi được mời thêm bánh, cô ấy lắc đầu. (When offered more cake, she shook her head.)
  • Anh ấy chỉ lắc đầu mà không nói gì, tỏ ý không đồng ý. (He just shook his head without saying anything, indicating his disagreement.)
  • Nhìn thấy món quà đắt tiền, anh ta lắc đầu lè lưỡi. (Seeing the expensive gift, he shook his head and stuck out his tongue in amazement.)

Advanced Usage

• "lắc đầu lè lưỡi": A fixed idiom meaning to be wide-eyed with wonder, to be astonished or dazzled (often by something impressive, luxurious, or surprising).
  • Cậu bé lắc đầu lè lưỡi trước cây thông Noel lấp lánh. (The boy was wide-eyed with wonder at the sparkling Christmas tree.)

Variants and Related Words

• Gật đầu (v): To nod one's head. This is the antonym, meaning to move one's head up and down to signify agreement, approval, or affirmation.
  • Cô ấy gật đầu đồng ý với đề nghị đó. (She nodded in agreement with the proposal.)

Synonyms

• To shake one's head: The direct physical action.
• To refuse non-verbally: To indicate rejection without words.
• To disagree: To express a contrary opinion.

Related Idioms

• Lắc đầu quầy quậy: To shake one's head vigorously or persistently, often emphasizing strong refusal or disbelief.
  • Nghe tin đó, ông cụ lắc đầu quầy quậy. (Hearing that news, the old man shook his head vigorously in disbelief.)